Savannah Morning News | John Burkehttp://savannahnow.com/sms/taxonomy/term/66/
enFISHING FORECAST: Fishing action slow to pick uphttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-25/fishing-forecast-fishing-action-slow-pick-kup
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14236479.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="187" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14236480.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="266" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14236478.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="422" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14236477.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="186" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14236476.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Slow, slow, slow! That continues to be the coastal fishing pace as winter begrudgingly gives way to spring.</p>
<p>The chit-chat of what has been caught is still at a crawling pace, with very few action reports coming in, even though temps are rising — very slowly!</p>
<p>Blame this week’s fishing slowness mostly on spring tides, which with the help of some easterly and northeasterly winds, have inundated the coastal marshland over the weekend and into the current days.</p>
<p>Our catch reports continue to show the offshore waters are still the place to go, with sheepshead and bull reds at the top of the list followed by black sea bass.</p>
<p>Before the big tides, inshore reports of spotted sea trout, reds, sheepshead and whiting were being noted, although the action was spotty and no single area better than the other.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Reports </strong></p>
<p>This week so far, there is precious action to pass on to readers.</p>
<p>Our offshore action reports have come from Capt. Brad Stewart, who operates Tybee Island Bait and Tackle along with a charter fishing service out of Lazaretto Creek (912-786-7472), and from Capt. Judy Helmey (Miss Judy Charters, 912-897-4921) and located on Turner’s Creek on Wilmington Island.</p>
<p>Capt. Brad continues to target sheepshead, and his clients are bringing some hefties to the dock. In her weekly web report at <a href="http://www.missjudycharters.com" title="www.missjudycharters.com">www.missjudycharters.com</a>, Capt. Judy reports she has been nailing the bull reds and gives a detailed description of how to attract the big fish while jigging.</p>
<p>She also notes that due to current water temps, the best black sea bass action is still at deeper depths than the near-shore reef waters.</p>
<p>As always, optimism is the best approach to fishing, and with tides dropping, more favorable fishing currents for the remainder of March through mid-April, along hopefully with warmer temps, the bite on all fronts should improve.</p>
<p>Whiting often herald the spring inshore call to anglers, and our latest calls indicate that the spring bite is there when weather allows.</p>
<p>Capt. Bob Morrissey last week emailed a quick report telling of whiting action in Wassaw Sound on the incoming tide. The bite was steady, he said, adding that of 30 landed, about 75 percent, or about four pounds, were “worth cleaning.”</p>
<p>Adam’s Bait Shop, located on the Wilmington River at Thunderbolt and adjacent to the public boat ramp, this past weekend re-opened for the coming season, and reported several whiting catches, with one angler landing over 60.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>About bait </strong></p>
<p>And before continuing with the catch reports, this week’s check on bait availability is as follows:</p>
<p>Chatham County — Adams Bait Shop (912-898-1550), live shrimp and frozen bait; Bandy’s Bait Company (912-354-6444), live shrimp, fiddlers, mud minnows, frozen bait; Tybee Island Bait and Tackle (912-786-7472).</p>
<p>Bryan County — Fort McAllister Marina (912- 727-2632), live shrimp, fiddlers, mud minnows, frozen bait; Kilkenny Marina (912-727-2215).</p>
<p>Liberty County — Raburn Goodman, Yellow Bluff (912-977-0062), live shrimp, mud minnows, fiddlers, frozen bait.</p>
<p>McIntosh County/Shellman Bluff — Shellman Fish Camp (912-832-4331), mud minnows, fiddlers, frozen bait; Two-Way Fishing Camp, Darien (912-265-0210), live shrimp, mud minnows, fiddlers on advance request, frozen bait, fresh water minnows.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Sheepshead tricks </strong></p>
<p>Back to catching — got an email this week from Savannah-area angler Skip Schneider, who is in the legion of sheepshead enthusiasts and who has, over the years, picked up on some tricks to outsmart the soft-biters plus has mastered a few of his own which he would like to pass on to fellow fishermen.</p>
<p>It is best told mostly in his own words.</p>
<p>“When water oak trees drop leaves, it is time to sheepshead fish,” he wrote.</p>
<p>“Starting with poles and gear, I have two dedicated poles that started as medium-heavy seven-foot spinning rods. Cut the rods off at the second eye and reinstall a new tip. This gives you a five-and-a-half-foot, very stout rod to drag the big ones away from pilings and rocks, and also short enough to get under docks and still be able to set the hook,” he continued.</p>
<p>As for the line, he recommends 10-pound mono tied to a swivel and weighted with a slip-sinker, then a 15-pound leader about 8 to 10 inches in length, along with his favored “number four Eagle Claw Baitholder hook.” He also sharpens each hook with a stone “as the roof of a sheepshead’s mouth is all teeth and bone.”</p>
<p>Next, some tools to carry in the boat — “secrets that have helped me draw sheepshead to an area.” — shovel, one gallon–size clear wine jug with rope, steel minnow trap and fiddler crabs.</p>
<p>Noting that sheepshead eat the goodies out of barnacles and oysters, he continues by saying raking pilings with a shovel just under the surface of the water where one wants to fish sets off a chum drift and becomes an attraction to fish in the area.</p>
<p>The minnow trap baited with a couple of crushed blue crabs is another method, and he also suggested baiting a couple of “drops” in this manner, as the fish will gather as the scent and chum disperse.</p>
<p><strong>The wine bottle </strong></p>
<p>Now for the wine bottle trick — he suggests placing six to eight live fiddler crabs in the bottle, then filling the jug with river water (water from where the fishing is taking place) and “drop it to about a foot off the bottom and tie it to the piling. Once the fish find chum, they will follow and swarm the jug, trying to eat.”</p>
<p>Next comes the bite, and the trickiest of all. “These fish bite like no other. They open their mouths drawing in the fiddler, make one chomp, the spit shells in a fraction of a second,” he said, adding that “knowing you are getting a bite takes some getting used to, but once you have it, you have it forever.”</p>
<p>One method he suggests is to bob the bait up and down slowly off the bottom, “and if you are losing bait, set the hook every four seconds.”</p>
<p>And if fiddlers are not available, try shucked oysters. They also work, he said.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Catching fiddlers </strong></p>
<p>If you want to catch your own fiddler crabs, one method he suggests is to spread roofing paper over barren marsh areas where there is little or no grass.</p>
<p>“As the sun warms the paper, the fiddler crabs will be under the paper as you roll it up.” adding caution to make certain the grass is not damaged and the paper removed when the harvesting is complete.</p>
<p>He also has tips on using cane poles, a method still being used by his neighbor and longtime fishing buddy, Capt. Mike Taylor. More details in a later report.</p>
<p>“Tight lines my fellow fishermen. Best of luck and take a kid fishing,” he closed.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505, or by email at john.burke@savannahnow.com</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-25/fishing-forecast-fishing-action-slow-pick-kup#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainmentBandy's Bait Company912- 727-2632912-354-6444912-727-2215912-786-7472912-897-4921912-898-1550912-977-0062adamBaitblack seaBob MorrisseyBrad StewartCaptainContact DetailsEntertainmentFiddlerFishFishing baitFort McAllister MarinaGBPJudy ChartersJudy HelmeyKilkenny MarinaLazaretto CreekMinnowPerson CareerPerson Email AddressQuotationRecreational fishingSeafoodSheepsheadSkip SchneiderSparidaeSport fishtacklethe Savannah Morning Newswww.missjudycharters.comWed, 25 Mar 2015 22:08:03 +0000John Burke1087927 at http://savannahnow.comOUTDOORS REPORT: Turkey season opens Saturday in Georgia http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-18/outdoors-report-turkey-season-opens-saturday-georgia
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14216401.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14216400.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14216402.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14216399.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14218555.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Come Saturday, well before the sun pokes its smiling face over the horizon, there will be some stirring in the Georgia woodlands.</p>
<p>Shotguns and calls in hand, many dressed from head to toe in camouflage gear, pockets bulging with whatever meets their needs, Georgia turkey hunters will be seeking out a strategic place to sit and hide — hopefully where a turkey gobbler will make an appearance.</p>
<p>It is that time of year again when the woodlands and swamps come alive in the dawning hours as gobbling turkeys let their voices pierce the morning silence as they call out their availability to the hens.</p>
<p>Many hunters already have been scouting out the roosting areas, hoping to get a slight edge on the chances of calling one to within taking range.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Saturday opening day </strong></p>
<p>Georgia’s turkey season opens Saturday for a run that continues through May 15.</p>
<p>And with spring blossoming and temps rising, those gobbling calls only a turkey can make are becoming increasingly frequent.</p>
<p>I don’t expect to join the crowds on opening day, but I still have fond memories of one of the last hunts made to the Savannah River swamplands — the gobbler coming out the winner.</p>
<p>He was a talker. Gobbled at everything making a noise — from an owl hooting to an 18-wheeler humming down a distant highway. Even gobbled when something made a splash in the nearby river.</p>
<p>I could see him, a big bird, pacing back and forth on one of the top limbs of a swamp tree, stretching his neck and looking — and gobbling!</p>
<p>And it soon became obvious he would rather gobble than strut.</p>
<p>Tried to coax him from his perch for well over an hour, but to no avail.</p>
<p>He finally tired of the game, flew off in the opposite direction across the river, never to be heard or seen again.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The outlook </strong></p>
<p>DNR wildlife biologists say hunters, particularly in the coastal plain sector of the state should have another good season, but it also may be a challenging year in some areas for hunters, given that reproductions rates continue on the low side.</p>
<p>Kevin Lowery, wild turkey project coordinator for the Wildlife Resources Division, says the turkey reproduction numbers have been low for the past three years and that, “2015 might be a challenging year for hunters, especially in the Piedmont Blue Ridge, and ridge and valley systems in Georgia.</p>
<p>Seasonal bag limit is three gobblers. Check the current hunting regulations for licenses and rules for hunting both public and private lands and in particular Wildlife Management areas.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>South Carolina season </strong></p>
<p>The gobbler season on private land already is underway in South Carolina’s Zone 6, which is made up of the counties in the southeast sector of the state.</p>
<p>This past Sunday was opening day for a season that will continue through May 1. For the remaining five zones, the season runs from April 1 through May 1.</p>
<p>Seasonal limit is five gobblers with no more than two in one day. South Carolina regulations require turkey tags along with valid hunting licenses.</p>
<p>Hunters also need to check the South Carolina regulations for more detailed information regarding hunting on Wildlife management lands.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>On the fishing front </strong></p>
<p>And on the fishing front, action is warming up with the spring days, with trout and redfish action showing marked improvement on the harvest side of the count as water temps begin to rise.</p>
<p>Our report this week, while still on the skimpy side, shows sheepshead still at the top of the list both offshore and inshore, but more anglers starting to venture out now that the big chill is mostly history.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Coffee Bluff tourney </strong></p>
<p>This past Saturday the Coffee Bluff Inshore Fishing Club held its monthly tournament, the target fish being sheepshead, and the goal the heaviest weight of three.</p>
<p>It was the first monthly event of the year for the group. Capt. Ray Golden, who with wife Amy were still operating Coffee Bluff Marina as of this past weekend, emailed to tell us that Coffee Bluff resident Jeff Soss caught his way to top honors, landing three which tipped the scales at 12 pounds, 10 ounces.</p>
<p>Soss also took the largest sheepshead title with one weighing 4 pounds, 14 ounces.</p>
<p>In second place was Daniel Newell with a total weight of 5 pounds, 15 ounces, while third-place honors went to Jeff Soss Jr. with a total weight of 5 pounds, 8 ounces.</p>
<p>Apparently the sheepshead were not in a true feeding mode for some of the members.</p>
<p>Capt. Ray, fishing with David Sloan and Jimmy Davis did a lot of searching, with Davis the only one to score on three and all too small to keep.</p>
<p>However, the day wasn’t a total loss to the trio. Sloan hooked up on a couple of big reds, both too large to keep.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Marina note </strong></p>
<p>A note about Coffee Bluff Marina, as of this writing this past Monday, we have been told the Goldens are no longer operating Coffee Bluff Marina, that their lease has been terminated, and they have turned the keys back over to the city of Savannah.</p>
<p>Neither do we have any information as to whom will be operating the facility, and a call to the marina this past went to a recording. </p>
<p>As noted in last week’s report, I truly hoped the termination decision would be reconsidered and the issues resolved.</p>
<p>Apparently it isn’t going to happen.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>More about fishing </strong></p>
<p>Back to the reports: Capt. Brad Stewart, who operates Stewart’s Tybee Island Bait and Tackle, and a charter fishing service (912-786-7472) located on Lazaretto Creek, this week says the warmer temps are starting to increase the fish bite. “People are starting to see more bluefish and whiting in the surf,” he wrote in an email, adding “the bull reds are still a ways offshore, but should make their debut shortly on the beaches.”</p>
<p>“We are starting to see a lot of ‘peanut pogies’ in the area, so all is starting to feel like spring,” he continued.</p>
<p>His charters to the offshore reefs and structures continue to produce some excellent sheepshead action. “We are still pounding the sheepshead,” he said, noting the aggregation for spawning is good. He also said sea bass still are more concentrated at the deeper reefs and live bottoms and have not yet started to show up at the shallower reefs.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>About trout and reds </strong></p>
<p>Last week we noted some improvement in the trout action, and this week we have more reports indicating the bite is steadily improving along with some redfish action.</p>
<p>David Wood this past weekend he headed back to some of his favorite drops in South Carolina waters, and found both species in a feeding mood.</p>
<p>“The trip started with a large redfish instantly as my bait hit the bottom,” he recalls, adding that the very next cast “landed me a 16-inch trout.”</p>
<p>The trout bite continued, Wood landing several more.</p>
<p>Then as the tide turned, the red bite started again. “I landed several fish, culling out the biggest legal keepers approaching the 23-inch mark. Two of the three keeper reds were 22-3/4 inches and other just barely touching 20 inches,” he wrote.</p>
<p>He closed by saying none of the trout were of “monster” size, that the average was 15 to 17 inches.</p>
<p>Another trout report came out of the St. Catherines Sound area. David Maxwell told of fishing this past Sunday with an unidentified partner, the two ending up with 18 trout, three of which were in the 2.5-pound range.</p>
<p>They also landed eight redfish along with a sheepshead and two “nice drum.”</p>
<p>“Best day in a while,” he closed.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Shad and stripers </strong></p>
<p>We still are looking for reports of recreational shad action on the Ogeechee. However, we did get a phone call from Capt. Ray Golden, who Monday mid-day with Jerry Case were looking for shad on the Little Ogeechee and did tie into a small striper.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505, or by email at <a href="mailto:john.burke@savannahnow.com">john.burke@savannahnow.com</a>. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-18/outdoors-report-turkey-season-opens-saturday-georgia#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainmentSavannahBrad StewartCaptainCoffee Bluff MarinaContact DetailscoordinatorDavid WoodEntertainmentEnvironmental IssueFishGeorgiaHuntingKevin LoweryPerson CareerPerson Email AddressPiedmontPrivateQuotationRay GoldenSeafoodSheepsheadSouth CarolinaSparidaeSport fishThe Gobblerthe Savannah Morning NewsWild TurkeyWed, 18 Mar 2015 22:35:06 +0000John Burke1087285 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: Fishing action thawing out in Coastal Empirehttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-11/fishing-forecast-fishing-action-thawing-out-coastal-empire
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14198786.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14198774.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="150" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14198806.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14198805.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14198804.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14198803.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>All it took was a few warm days, and suddenly spring is in the air — trees budding, turtles scrambling out of the ponds to bask in the sun, resident honkers pairing up for the nesting season, fish biting in the ponds, and coastal saltwater action slowly emerging from the winter doldrums.</p>
<p>Our reports this week, while still on the skimpy side for both the fresh and salt, are showing a definite improvement in conditions and also sparking increased optimism that one of the chilliest and dampest winters in many years is about to become history.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>On the fresh </strong></p>
<p>On the fresh side of the ledger, it continues to be both crappie and largemouth bass at the top of the catch list, most of which is best in the ponds and impoundments as river systems remain at flood stage.</p>
<p>Rivers and creeks have been flooding the adjacent swamps and woodlands for several weeks, an almost certain indicator that when they return to within their banks and channels, there will be some excellent action with redbreasts, bream, shellcrackers and more.</p>
<p>“Cricket” Mobley, who operates Two-Way Fish Camp in Darien, says the “speckled perch” (crappie) bite has been so good in that area that he has not been able to keep enough minnows to meet the bait demand for those fishing the ponds and impoundments.</p>
<p>And don’t overlook the annual shad spawn run which already is underway.</p>
<p>A couple of weeks ago, we received a report and photograph from Bulloch County resident Charles Holland telling of the shad being caught recreationally on the Ogeechee River above Rocky Ford.</p>
<p>We received a text message this past Tuesday that the bite is improving, that he landed five roe and one buck, two of the roe “real heavy.”</p>
<p>While recreational trolling on the Ogeechee above Rocky Ford shows the run increasing, it soon should also be peaking in the lower areas such as above the King’s Ferry Landing, at Morgan’s Bridge, the Highway 80 Bridge and other popular locations.</p>
<p>Thus far this season, we have yet to hear reports from these areas. Usually they start when the dogwoods begin to bloom.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>On the salt </strong></p>
<p>On the salt, it continues to be sheepshead heading the list of who has caught what, with both bull reds and keepers showing up in the count along with black sea bass, whiting and spotted sea trout.</p>
<p>Overall, the saltwater boat angling traffic remains slow, mostly due to unpredictable weather conditions and little chatter of where the action is taking place. Most of what we have received this week points to the offshore reefs.</p>
<p>We start with a report received from Capt. Ray Golden, who with wife Amy, currently is operating Coffee Bluff Marina at the time of this writing (912-200-3805).</p>
<p>I say currently, due to the fact that the City of Savannah has announced it is terminating their contract to operate it — a decision I truly hope will be reviewed, canceled and the issues resolved.</p>
<p>Capt. Ray’s email tells of bull red action at the offshore reefs, which would be the envy of every redfish angler.</p>
<p>This past Sunday, Mike Morgan, Jason Okane and Scott McAllister headed out to the J-bouy with a bucket full of fiddler crabs and looking for sheepshead.</p>
<p>Apparently the black sea bass and bull reds were so plentiful, they were gobbling up the fiddler crabs before the sheepshead could get to them — the trio only able to land two.</p>
<p>And while the black sea bass bite was something to be expected, the big reds gave them a day of action they will remember for a long time.</p>
<p>“They caught and released 18-20, but got tired of it and moved elsewhere. They said they (the reds) hit the fiddlers as soon as the bait hit bottom. They could have caught more,” he said.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>More reports </strong></p>
<p>Another offshore reef as well as an inshore report came from Capt. Brad Stewart, who operates Tybee Island Bait and Tackle as well as a charter fishing service (912-786-7472).</p>
<p>“Offshore has been awesome and is even getting better,” he exclaimed, also noting the “big female sheepshead are now in the pre-spawn mode and have made their way offshore.”</p>
<p>“Through the weekend we have caught a ton of sheeps. Most trips averaging 100 pounds,” he continued, adding that on one trip Monday with two clients on board, a few of the sheepshead weighed in the 11-pound range, with one tipping the scales at 12.5 pounds.</p>
<p>For the Tybee area inshore waters, Capt. Brad notes that surf fishing is picking up, with a few whiting, dogfish and bluefish being caught, and that scattered reports of both trout and reds are on the rise.</p>
<p>An inshore sheepshead report came from David Wood, who last weekend found “the big boys,” which apparently have eluded him the previous two weekends.</p>
<p>With fishing buddy Herman Lee, Wood said the day started slowly, then came a flurry of bites which “landed us four nice ones.”</p>
<p>Then came another lull, he continued, and again another flurry of bites which netted Lee the biggest one of the day weighing 10.75 pounds.</p>
<p>Of Lee’s sheepshead, Wood said he had his doubts that the fish “could be pulled out of those pilings,” but added that “when the big girl surfaced, we both gasp a little, and to the boat she came.”</p>
<p>They landed a couple more, capping the cooler off with a 10.25-pounder, another that came close to the same weight and a 7-pounder.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>And still more </strong></p>
<p>Beyond these, the reports continue to be very scattered but also slightly more numerous.</p>
<p>Fort McAllister Marina in Bryan County east of Richmond Hill said the sheesphead bite continues to be strong both at the offshore reefs and inshore, that the black sea bass action at the reefs is resulting in more throw-backs than keepers, and that there is little to no activity inshore relative to spotted sea trout and red drum.</p>
<p>Kilkenny Marina, also located in Bryan County, did report a few spotted sea trout being caught inshore, with the throw-backs far outnumbering the keepers.</p>
<p>Offshore at the reefs, the black sea bass bite at the J-buoy is steady but with more throw-backs than keepers. One group of anglers caught upward of 100 but was able to keep only 10.</p>
<p>Raburn Goodman at Yellow Bluff said boat angling traffic continues to be very slow, that the only action reported in recent days was from the offshore reefs with sheepshead the target fish.</p>
<p>The most impressive trout and redfish report came from Shellman Fish Camp at Shellman Bluff. Patrick Robert, who operates the facility, said he and an unnamed partner this past week caught their limit of 10 reds and nine trout.</p>
<p>Waters south of Sapelo Sound and in the Brunswick area apparently are producing more inshore action with reds and trout than cooler waters more northward.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>About bait </strong></p>
<p>Several bait suppliers continue to have local live bait shrimp. Our live bait supply survey this week is as follows: In Chatham County — Tybee Island Bait and Tackle, fiddler crabs, mud minnows, frozen bait; Bandy’s Bait Company, live shrimp, mud minnows, fiddler crabs. Bryan County — Fort McAllister Marina, mud minnows, fiddler crabs, frozen bait; Kilkenny Marina, live shrimp, mud minnows. Liberty County — Yellow Bluff, fiddler crabs, mud minnows. McIntosh County — Shellman Fish Camp, mud minnows, fiddler crabs, frozen bait; Two-Way Fish Camp, live bait shrimp, mud minnow, freshwater minnows, fiddler crabs on request, 24-hour notice.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505, or by email at john.burke@savannahnow.com.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-11/fishing-forecast-fishing-action-thawing-out-coastal-empire#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainmentSavannah912-200-3805AmyAnglingBaitblack seaBluff MarinaBrad StewartCaptainCharles HollandContact DetailsCynoscion nebulosusEntertainmentFiddlerFishFishing baitHerman LeeJason OkanekingLargemouth bassMike MorganMinnowMorgan's BridgeOgeecheePerson CareerPerson Email AddressQuotationRay GoldenRecreational fishingRed drumSciaenidaeScott McAllisterSeafoodSheepsheadSport fishthe Savannah Morning NewsWay Fish CampWed, 11 Mar 2015 21:55:42 +0000John Burke1086523 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: Anglers hope worst of winter lull is overhttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-04/fishing-forecast-anglers-hope-worst-winter-lull-over
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14180833.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="240" height="271" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14180834.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Hopefully the worst is over, as far as wintry weather conditions along the Georgia and South Carolina coastal region are concerned. Temps yo-yoing between the 40s and 70s are a welcome change from what Mother Nature has been dishing out for the past few weeks.</p>
<p>And it immediately is bringing optimism that any warming will kick-start the fishing action that has been the slowest in several decades as the result of one of the longest cold spells on record.</p>
<p>That said, the who-has-caught-what list continues to be on the skimpy size, with not a lot to chatter about.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Reports still few </strong></p>
<p>We received only two emailed reports, the first coming Tuesday from Capt. Brad Stewart at Stewart’s Tybee Island Bait and Tackle as well as a charter fishing service, located on Lazaretto Creek (912-786-7472).</p>
<p>Saying that while the inshore bite in the Tybee area is improving “slightly,” the offshore action at the reefs is still excellent for big sheepshead. He also noted that the black sea bass have now moved out to deeper waters, and closed by noting that both fiddler crabs and mud minnows are in good supply at the docks on Lazaretto Creek.</p>
<p>A report received about inshore action came from Capt. Jack McGowan (Coastal River Charters, 912-441-9930), who forwarded a photo of a client holding a sheepshead and wrote that sheepshead and reds currently are providing the best opportunities for action.</p>
<p>The inshore arena may be changing as temperatures begin to rise. Capt. Judy Helmey (Miss Judy Charters, 912-897-4921), in a phone conversation Tuesday, told of one of her fleet guides, Capt. Scott Wagner, on Monday catching and releasing six spotted sea trout, all caught on artificials. </p>
<p>This was the first trout bite we have heard of in this area in several days.</p>
<p>Capt. Judy is convinced that the winter doldrums and slow bite will change within the next 10 to 12 days, both offshore and inshore, as water temps begin to rise.</p>
<p>“The water temperature now is 48 degrees, and it should be 60 for this time of year,” she said.</p>
<p>“Fish do not feed when water temperatures are this low,” she added, making note of another fleet charter this past week late in the day to one of the near-shore reefs where the bite was almost non-existent for black sea bass.</p>
<p>“Had they had more time and could have fished at a deeper depth where the water temp is higher, the bite would have been OK and they would have caught all they wanted,” Helmey said.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Reef buoys </strong></p>
<p>I took a peek at Capt. Judy’s weekly web report on fishing action (<a href="http://www.missjudycharters.com" title="www.missjudycharters.com">www.missjudycharters.com</a>) and found her list of who had caught what to be much the same as ours — weather keeping most anglers cozying up to the home fires.</p>
<p>But as she often does, Capt. Judy takes notice of developing problems, such as missing buoys and navigational aids which, while not necessarily a safety factor, are in particular a benefit to boaters and fishermen without or not familiar with GPS equipment.</p>
<p>At the various offshore reefs each was marked with a buoy, put there by the DNR for the very purpose of letting boat anglers visually find their locations.</p>
<p>One by one they are disappearing, many of the reefs now without them, the markers lost to damage, storms and deterioration.</p>
<p>With a tight budget becoming increasingly tighter, the DNR apparently has little or no money to maintain the reef markers, making the published coordinates of each the best way for boaters to find their locations.</p>
<p>Another individual to publicly make note of the missing buoys is Capt. Bob Morrissey who, like Capt. Judy, would like to see them replaced and maintained. Capt. Bob suggested that CCA take them on as a project, while Capt. Judy is open to anyone or any group who might be able to help.</p>
<p>Having sight markers along with the published coordinates would be a tremendous benefit to those fishermen who rely only on compass bearings to reach the reef areas.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>A bit of reef history </strong></p>
<p>It was in an email from Capt. Bob about a bit of reef history that he mentioned the disappearance of reef markers — the history part a very interesting story in itself.</p>
<p>According to Capt. Bob, back in the 1990s, he and the late John Cavuto, a close friend whom he frequently fished with, found a sailboat called the “Jupitor” tied up and abandoned at Isle of Hope Marina, the operator telling them the marina wanted it “gone.”</p>
<p>“It was a steel-hulled vessel about 30 feet in length which came from Germany, landed somewhere on the Eastern seaboard and wound up here,” he wrote, adding that he still has a World War II German knife in his tool box that he found aboard the vessel.</p>
<p>The KC reef, located about 9 miles southeast of Wassaw Island, was still in its construction stage, so Cavuto and Capt. Bob approached the Georgia CRD in Brunswick, seeking to have it sunk there. They got the OK providing they first remove all oil and anything that would float from the vessel.</p>
<p>That turned out to be far more work than they had anticipated, the interior of the vessel all made of plywood glued to the hull which could only be chipped off in small pieces. “We almost gave up,” he said during a phone conversation this week, saying it took them almost a month to remove it.</p>
<p>The vessel was powered by a small diesel engine which apparently was still working. It was removed and given to a friend.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The sinking </strong></p>
<p>After the boat finally was cleaned and inspected, “The day arrived and a DNR agent from the Coastal Division of the Georgia DNR came to Savannah from Brunswick, gave us his blessing, and we then pulled this vessel out to the KC buoy using the ‘Saltshaker’ and sunk it with his help,” he remembers.</p>
<p>The “Saltshaker” was a 30-foot flat bottom Island Hopper with a 14-foot beam, then owned by Capt. Bob.</p>
<p>It was anything but a quick sink.</p>
<p>“The DNR chap, I forgot his name, scrambled aboard and opened the seacocks to flood it. We waited and waited and waited some more,” he related, adding that the DNR chap, who had brought along a small pump, began to send a stream of water from the “Saltshaker” to the “Jupitor” into the slowly sinking hull (the mast not attached).</p>
<p>“Finally it sank after about five hours, and we returned to the IOH (Isle of Hope) Marina so the DNR chap could return to Brunswick.”</p>
<p>If you check out the lists of items making up the various reef sights, you will find that at the KC Reef the seventh of l9 listed items officially is “Sailboat Jupitor.” Capt. Bob has contacted the CRD to see if the name could be altered with the name of John Cavuto added, in memory of his friend. </p>
<p>“Maybe it will happen one day. We had fun doing it and felt we made a contribution to sport fishing off the Georgia coast in the 90s!” he said in closing.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505, or by email at john.burke@savannahnow.com.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-04/fishing-forecast-anglers-hope-worst-winter-lull-over#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainmentSocial IssuesBrunswick912-441-9930912-786-7472912-897-4921black seaBob MorrisseyBrad StewartCaptainContact DetailsCoral reefsEntertainmentFiddlerGeorgiaGPSJack CavutoJack McGowanJohn CavutoJudy ChartersJudy HelmeyLazaretto CreekPerson CareerPerson Email AddressQuotationScott WagnerSocial IssuesSouth Carolinatacklethe Savannah Morning Newswww.missjudycharters.comWed, 04 Mar 2015 23:44:23 +0000John Burke1085866 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: Cold weather puts local fishing action on icehttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-02-25/fishing-forecast-cold-weather-puts-local-fishing-action-ice
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14158909.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14158910.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /></div><p>One would have thought the warm temperatures and sunny skies this past weekend would have been a wake-up call for coastal anglers who have been cozying up to the home fires much of the time since 2015 made its debut.</p>
<p>It didn’t happen, a least not in the areas we tapped for weekly updates on what is biting. Phone calls were answered, but it was much the same from each — slow, slow, slow!</p>
<p>Still, there were fish caught, mostly sheepshead, and the majority of these taken from the offshore artificial reef waters.</p>
<p>Fort McAllister Marina in Bryan County on Saturday had a sheepshead tournament that was almost canceled due to few entries.</p>
<p>A call to the marina Monday indicated a total of five boat participated in action taking place at the offshore reefs — the winning boat captained by Lee Southard of Richmond Hill weighed in five sheepshead weighing 33 pounds.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Reef action </strong></p>
<p>We received an email report from Capt. Brad Stewart, who operates Tybee Island Bait and Tackle along with a charter service 912-786-7472, who spoke of artificial reef sheepshead bite.</p>
<p>Noting the “crazy change in the weather this past week” along with the warming trend, he said a few Tybee-area anglers were venturing out, but there was little to talk about except a scattering of whiting, sheepshead and undersized spotted sea trout.</p>
<p>But the artificial reef waters were solid with a lot of big sheepshead being caught along with black sea bass at depths of 50 feet.</p>
<p>He told of a charter to the reef waters Sunday with Savannahian Ashley Kinney and her dad Matt Swab of Michigan on board. They had a day of sheepshead action, including one weighing over 9 pounds.</p>
<p>Capt. Judy Helmey (Miss Judy Charters), also on a phone call Monday, said the near-shore reefs waters are hot spots for excellent sheepshead action, and for those who like to catch a mix of both sheepshead and black sea bass, the deeper reefs are the spots for the best bites.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Seminars </strong></p>
<p>While boat angling traffic seemingly remains tied to the docks or at anchor, Capt. Judy’s past weekend of fishing seminars apparently went well.</p>
<p>She said the Saturday classroom session held at Tubby’s Tank House in Thunderbolt was well attended, and her on-the-water classes teaching anglers tips on chasing reds was filled to capacity.</p>
<p>“Even with the high temperatures Sunday, the water temps were still very low, and it was the afternoon before the water temperature rose enough to get the reds active and spot them tailing,” she said.</p>
<p>There are two more seminars slated, both will be on the water and cover offshore fishing techniques, and are slated for March 7-8 out of Miss Judy Charters dock on Wilmington Island.</p>
<p>For more information on these two events, contact Miss Judy Charters at 912-897-4921, or on-line at <a href="http://www.missjudycharters.com" title="www.missjudycharters.com">www.missjudycharters.com</a>. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>On the fresh </strong></p>
<p>Our freshwater reports remain as skimpy as those for saltwater, other than word of mouth chit-chat as to some excellent crappie and largemouth bass action in the area ponds and impoundments.</p>
<p>We did receive one local catch report this week from Capt. Ray Golden, who forwarded a photo of an area resident catching a largemouth bass.</p>
<p>Windsor Forest resident John Watkins landed one weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces from an area pond, catching the lunkar on a plastic salamander.</p>
<p>It was the largest he has ever taken from the pond.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>From the wire reports </strong></p>
<p>From The Fishing Wire — at the GIECO Bassmaster Classic held at Lake Hartwell this past weekend, 31-year-old South Carolina native Casey Ashley fished his way to top honors with a three-day catch of fifteen bass weighing 50 pounds, 1 ounce.</p>
<p>Raised a few miles from Lakes Hartwell, he used his home-town knowledge along with some home-made lures made by his dad for a come-from-behind win. He was in fifth going into the final round, landing five the final day weighing in at 20 pounds, 3 ounces and collecting $300,000 for the effort.</p>
<p>And from the outdoor wire, NOAA apparently is becoming more sympathetic with the wishes of the recreational fishing community, having announced a national saltwater recreational fishing policy at the just-held Miami International Boat Show.</p>
<p>It is being applauded by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), a major sponsor, and is a first-of-a kind for the federal agency — the details of which are too lengthy to fully explain in this column.</p>
<p>In short, the move is directed at correcting some of the shortcomings of the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries and Conservation and Management Act. </p>
<p>How it will help remains to be seen.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Back to local waters </strong></p>
<p>Back to local waters, we are still waiting to hear of more wide-spread recreational shad action on the Ogeechee.</p>
<p>Our only catch report came earlier in the month from Charles Holland, who was fishing the Ogeechee waters above Rocky Ford. In a phone call this week, he said weather conditions along with freezing temps have chilled the bite, but he would be trying again as the weather warms.</p>
<p>Still no reports on striper action in any of the river systems, and the peak season will soon be over.</p>
<p>Once water temps being to rise, stripers will start moving up the river systems to find cooler water.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Bait, tides </strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our latest check on live bait supplies show a mix, depending on location. Tybee Island Bait and Tackle has a full supply of fiddler crabs and mud minnows. A call to Bandy’s Bait Company on Monday found Liz Bowens currently out of live bait shrimp, but some fiddler crabs and mud minnows were available.</p>
<p>Fort McAllister Marina on Monday was out of live bait shrimp and mud minnows, but did have a supply of fiddler crabs, while at Yellow Bluff in Liberty County east of Midway, Raburn Goodman had a small amount of live bait shrimp along with a full supply of both mud minnows and fiddler crabs.</p>
<p>At Kilkenny Marina in Bryan County, Danny Bacot said he made a few drags Monday and was able to harvest between 20 and 25 quarts of bait shrimp, and at Shellman Fish Camp at Shellman Bluff in McIntosh County only fiddler crabs were mentioned.</p>
<p>Two-Way Fish Camp in Darien had both live bait shrimp and mud minnows. Fiddler Crabs are available on advanced request for the following day.</p>
<p>Tides are in the 6-foot range, and will continue in the 6- and 7-foot range through the first 18 days of March, even through the full moon phase. Full moon is March 5.</p>
<p>When Mom Nature decides to bump up the water temps things will start happening. They always do.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505, or by email at john.burke@savannahnow.com.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-02-25/fishing-forecast-cold-weather-puts-local-fishing-action-ice#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainment912-786-7472912-897-4921AnglingAshley KinneyBaitblack seaBrad StewartCaptainContact DetailsEntertainmentEnvironmental IssueFiddlerFishFishing baitFort McAllister MarinaJohn WatkinsJudy ChartersJudy HelmeyLargemouth bassLee SouthardMan Made Disastermarina MondayMatt SwabMichiganMiss Judy Charters dockPerson AttributesPerson CareerPerson Email AddressPerson LocationQuotationRay GoldenRecreational fishingSeafoodSheepsheadSparidaeSport fishtacklethe Savannah Morning Newswww.missjudycharters.comWed, 25 Feb 2015 22:08:19 +0000John Burke1085198 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: Winter doldrums take over local fishing scenehttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-02-18/fishing-forecast-winter-doldrums-take-over-local-fishing-scene
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14142767.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14142768.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="290" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14142765.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14142764.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="187" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>A repeat of the same — Mom Nature continues to be relentless in her winter mode, and as the weather forecasts indicate, she still is in a freeze mood, although hopefully shifting to a warmer attitude by the upcoming weekend.</p>
<p>As a result, our collections of fishing reports for both the salt and fresh water scenes remain about as scarce as they have ever been in the many years of keeping tabs on what is biting and who is doing the catching.</p>
<p>Calls this week to various marinas and fishing camps along the coast show almost no boat-angling traffic in coastal waters, but some reports of inland activity relative to crappie and catfish catches.</p>
<p>However, we remain optimistic that better days are ahead when skies are fair and winds are calm, and we base this on what was caught on the recent occasional days when weather has allowed access to fishing waters.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Inshore, offshore </strong></p>
<p>The inshore scene generally is a hit-or-miss situation for red drum and spotted sea trout, with more misses than hits. Our most recent checks show inshore redfish action best from Buttermilk Sound southward along the Georgia coast, while the few spotted sea trout catches have come from South Carolina waters where anglers reportedly have been finding the best action in deep holes.</p>
<p>However, there does seem to be continued but scattered activity involving both whiting and black drum.</p>
<p>Offshore, the artificial reefs are producing some excellent sheepshead and black sea bass action along with scattered reports of bull reds being landed.</p>
<p>Again, this action happens on days when winds and seas are favorable.</p>
<p>As we have done regularly for the past several weeks, we checked Capt. Judy Helmey’s web report <a href="http://www.missjudycharters" title="www.missjudycharters">www.missjudycharters</a> to see what her charter fleet is reporting, and this week again she tells of the excellent sheepshead and black sea bass action at the reefs.</p>
<p>She also makes note of some blackfin tuna action in the Gulf Stream waters.</p>
<p>And for those who may be interested, Capt. Judy will be holding the first two of four fishing seminars starting Saturday and Sunday.</p>
<p>Saturday’s event will be a classroom-style presentation to be held at Tubby’s Tank House on River Drive in Thunderbolt, while Sunday’s seminar will be on the water out on Miss Judy’s docks on Wilmington Island.</p>
<p>There are two offshore seminars slated for March 7 and 8, also on the water and out of Capt. Judy’s docks.</p>
<p>For more information about the seminars, costs and times, contact Miss Judy Charters by phone at 912-897-4921.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The reports </strong></p>
<p>As noted, current reports from charter captains and fishermen are slim at best.</p>
<p>One was received last week after we had gone to press from Capt. Brad Stewart, who operates Tybee Island Bait and Tackle along with a charter fishing service and is located on Lazaretto Creek (912-786-7472).</p>
<p>Capt. Brad was the one who brought it to our attention the observed changes between inshore and offshore action, saying the offshore reefs were continuing to produce limit catches of both sheepshead and black sea bass, that inshore action for both spotted sea trout and red drum was down, but whiting and black drum catches were up.</p>
<p>Savannah area angler David Wood was the only angler we heard from this week. Wood apparently made a solo run last Saturday, first targeting trout and reds where the bite was slow, then switching to sheepshead, which he said was also slow but better than that with the trout and bass.</p>
<p>His take-home for the trip was two trout, two reds and sheepshead, the largest weighing close to 8 pounds.</p>
<p>When we made phone calls to the various marinas and fishing camps, we received the only other confirmed sheepshead catch — that one coming from Shellman Fish Camp at Shellman Bluff for the Sapelo Sound area, where it was noted one angler caught one while fishing inshore. The sheepshead weighed in at 10.5 pounds.</p>
<p>Two other anglers fishing out of Shellman Fish Camp apparently went after sheepshead but returned empty handed.</p>
<p>Two-Way Fish Camp located in Darien reported the only inshore red drum activity, noting keeper-size reds being taken in some of the rivers and creeks.</p>
<p>As noted last week, water temps generally are warmer in that sector of the coast then they are in more northward sectors.</p>
<p>It was also from Two-Way that we received a report of crappie and catfish action taking place in the more inland areas of the river Altamaha River systems tributaries and impoundments.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Bait </strong></p>
<p>Our check of the current live bait supplies indicates some shortages of fiddler crabs, mostly due to weather conditions.</p>
<p>Liz Bowens At Bandy’s Bait Company (912-354-6444) this past Tuesday had a limited number of fiddler crabs and live shrimp, plus mud minnows.</p>
<p>Also currently having fiddler crabs as well as mud minnows was Tybee Island Bait and Tackle (912-786-7472).</p>
<p>In Bryan County, Kilkenny Marina (912-727-2215) reported having a limited supply of live shrimp along with mud minnows, while Fort McAlister Marina currently was out of all live bait.</p>
<p>Raburn Goodman at Yellow Bluff (912-977-0062) reported having a limited supply of live shrimp along with adequate numbers of fiddler crabs and mud minnows, while at Shellman Fish Camp (912-832-4331) no live bait was currently available.</p>
<p>Two-Way fish camp had a very limited number of fiddler crabs but does have both live shrimp and mud minnow along with fresh water baits.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Shad, guestimates </strong></p>
<p>The only report of recreational shad action came two weeks ago, and was in an area of the Ogeechee River above Rocky Ford. We have yet to receive any similar reports from the tidal area at King’s Ferry, or from the Morgan’s Bridge or Highway 80 sectors of the river.</p>
<p>There are no current reports of striped bass activity in Ogeechee, Little Ogeechee or Savannah Rivers.</p>
<p>With February now past mid-month, the striper run should be peaking.</p>
<p>Our guestimates, with fingers crossed that weather conditions will improve, are that sheepshead and black sea bass will dominate the catch list for the remainder of February and probably through the first two week of March for the artificial reef areas, and blackfin tuna for Gulf Stream waters.</p>
<p>Inshore it will continue to sheepshead, with whiting gradually climbing the list as was temps rise.</p>
<p>The recreational shad run should also improve on the Ogeechee in the lower reaches as the blooming season for dogwoods approaches.</p>
<p>Crappie, largemouth bass are at the top of the list for fresh water areas.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505, or by email at <a href="mailto:john.burke@savannahnow.com">john.burke@savannahnow.com</a>. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-02-18/fishing-forecast-winter-doldrums-take-over-local-fishing-scene#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainment912-786-7472912-897-4921AnglingBlack drumblack seaBrad StewartCaptainContact DetailsCynoscion nebulosusDavid WoodEntertainmentFiddlerFishFishing baitGeorgiaJudy ChartersJudy HelmeyLargemouth bassLazaretto CreekPerson CareerPerson Email AddressRecreational fishingRed drumSciaenidaeSeafoodSheepsheadShellman Fish CampSouth CarolinaSparidaeSport fishtacklethe Savannah Morning Newswww.missjudychartersThu, 19 Feb 2015 00:02:45 +0000John Burke1084583 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: Area's cold-weather fishing lull continueshttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-02-11/fishing-forecast-areas-cold-weather-fishing-lull-continues
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14124482.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14124483.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="442" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14124481.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="158" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14124480.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="158" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14124479.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="376" /></div><p>Winter weather conditions continue to keep the angling traffic at a slow crawl, and with more freeze conditions predicted for the coming weekend, don’t look for much improvement until Mother Nature gets in a warmer mood.</p>
<p>But even with the slow traffic, fish are being caught on both the salt and fresh, and this week’s look at who is doing the catching includes action in both areas — sheepshead, black sea bass, big and small reds and even a Florida sailfish report for the salt water arena; shad, crappie and largemouth bass on the fresh.</p>
<p>The first report, and there have been precious few, came from Charles Holland, who fishes the upper regions of the Ogeechee River above Rocky Ford and who called to tell that the annual shad run has started. This past weekend he landed six, of which two were roe shad. He also hooked and lost three more.</p>
<p>For whatever reason, the recreational shad run historically gets underway earlier in the upper regions of the Ogeechee before it does in the more tidal areas. No reports thus far of shad being taken in such areas as King’s Ferry, Morgan’s Bridge or the Highway 80 Bridge.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>He caught it, she weighed it </strong></p>
<p>The second report came this past weekend while chowing down some breakfast at Sunrise Restaurant on Wilmington Island, a favorite haunt of mine each Sunday to start the day.</p>
<p>Quyen Nguyen was serving some coffee and excitedly told of a big sheepshead her boyfriend Travis Timfoy had caught in the Coffee Bluff area. I asked her how much it weighed and she quickly responded “9 pounds” and proceeded to show a phone photo of herself with a big smile on her face while weighing the sheepshead on a hand scale.</p>
<p>As Sunday wound down and Monday arrived, it began to look like the head count of successful anglers was going to end with Quyen’s report. Then Capt. Judy Helmey’s (Miss Judy Charters) weekly fishing report arrived via email, and we learned of some excellent offshore artificial and Gray’s Reef Sanctuary action involving sheepshead, black seabass and bull reds.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Sailfish tourney </strong></p>
<p>She also told of some sailfish action the last three days of January when two Savannah residents were part of the Atlanta Saltwater Sportsman’s Club “Chillin and Reelin” team fishing in the club’s 28th annual Sailfish Tournament in Palm Beach, Fla., where they landed seven of 12 hook-ups.</p>
<p>Wendy Coates and Capt. Ryan Howard were the Savannah team members, Clay Holt, Scott Rowe, John Roche, who is boat owner and team captain, and Ben Lazar the Atlanta reps.</p>
<p>It was Wendy’s first sailfish ever. Capt. Ryan, who for several years has worked as a deckhand for Capt. Judy, now is a licensed charter captain working in the Miss Judy Charter fleet, complete with a new boat for charter. Howard goes along as co-captain — specifically for his saltwater fishing know-how. </p>
<p>Check out Capt. Judy’s website (<a href="http://www.missjudycharters.com" title="www.missjudycharters.com">www.missjudycharters.com</a>) for more details. She has some interesting reports and tales.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Trout and reds </strong></p>
<p>A quick peek at some inshore action came along with a report from David Wood, who with wife Sarah, apparently battled some pretty chilly weather on Saturday while targeting spotted sea trout. On Sunday when the weather was a bit more comfortable, he and friend Herman Lee went after sheepshead.</p>
<p>The trout bite, he said, went from very slow at first to somewhat better, the bite steady at the best tide but “never really taking off.”</p>
<p>The total take of trout for the day was 14, all over 15 inches and two at the 18-inch mark. Sarah caught the most and the largest.</p>
<p>The Sunday action for sheepshead also was on the slow side, “the bite was not very aggressive at all,” he wrote in an email. Action started with Wood first landing a 5-pounder, followed by Lee doing the same.</p>
<p>“We both lost nice fish in the structure, and a couple of lip hooks that just pulled off,” he said, closing by noting that they ran out of fiddlers, went home early, but ended up with “nine solid keepers and several throw-backs.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Comparisons </strong></p>
<p>Wood’s report generally compares with others received along the coast where some trout action along with red drum and sheepshead have been noted — along with isolated limit catches of keeper-size reds in the mix.</p>
<p>Danny Bacot at Kilkenny Marina in Bryan County said the local fishing club held a tournament this past weekend, and the top catch was five trout.</p>
<p>Shellman Fish Camp at Shellman Bluff said the boat angling traffic remains slow, but some sheepshead and red drum action had been reported by those who fished late last week and into the weekend.</p>
<p>At Two-Way Fish Camp in Darien, both fresh and in-shore saltwater action was reported. Those fishing fresh water areas apparently are still catching good numbers of crappie, while in the salt water sector both spotted sea trout and red drum catches have improved.</p>
<p>Asking about the average catch numbers of spotted sea trout, the answer was in the nine to 10 range, and about the same for keeper-size red drum.</p>
<p>The crappie report coincides with similar action being noted in other inland impoundments and ponds.</p>
<p>Spawning activity of both crappie and largemouth bass is being noted in more areas, and catch limits of both species are up.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Current bait availability </strong></p>
<p>Back to the salt scene — local live bait shrimp are still available at various locations along the coast, but those wanting live bait shrimp need to contact a supplier in advance.</p>
<p>This week’s calls show Fort McAllister Marina (912-727-2632) in Bryan County with a few live shrimp and expecting some fiddler crabs by the weekend.</p>
<p>Kilkenny Marina, also in Bryan County (912-727-2215), still has a supply of live bait shrimp, and Raburn Goodman at Yellow Bluff in Liberty County (912-977-0062) reports a limited supply of live shrimp along with full supply of both mud minnows and fiddler crabs.</p>
<p>Two-Way Fishing Camp in Darien (912-265-0410) has live shrimp, mud minnows, fresh water live bait and fiddler crabs on advance requests.</p>
<p>Tybee Island Bait and Tackle (912-786-7472) was closed on Tuesday when this week’s calls were made, but last week reported having both mud minnows and fiddler crabs. Bandy’s Bait Company (912-354-6444) last week had live bait shrimp, but apparently also was closed Tuesday.</p>
<p>Calls to Shellman Bluff Fishing Camp (912-832-4331) and also Fisherman’s Lodge (912-832-4671) indicated only limited bait supplies.</p>
<p>Most bait suppliers also offer frozen baits, such as shrimp and squid.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at (912-655-8505), or by email at john.burke@savannahnow.com.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-02-11/fishing-forecast-areas-cold-weather-fishing-lull-continues#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeBusinessEntertainmentTechnologyAtlantaPALM BEACHAnglingAtlanta Saltwater Sportsman's ClubBaitBen Lazarblack seaBusinessCapt.CaptainCharles HollandClay Holtco-captainCompany LocationContact DetailsCrappieCynoscion nebulosusdeckhand for Capt. JudyEntertainmentFiddlerFishFishing baitFloridaGray's Reef SanctuaryHerman LeeJohn RocheJudy CharterJudy ChartersJudy HelmeykingMorgan's BridgeOgeecheePerson CareerPerson Email AddressQuotationQuyen NguyenRecreational fishingRyan HowardSciaenidaeScott RoweSeafoodSheepsheadShrimpSport fishSunrise RestaurantTechnologythe Savannah Morning NewsTravis TimfoyTroutWendy Coateswww.missjudycharters.comWed, 11 Feb 2015 22:19:31 +0000John Burke1083909 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: Cheap fuel not luring boaters to the waterhttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-02-04/fishing-forecast-cheap-fuel-not-luring-boaters-water
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14104065.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="186" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14104103.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="187" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14104069.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="420" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14104066.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14104064.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="187" /></div><p>One would think that the drop in fuel prices would stimulate boating traffic the way it has traffic on the highways. Apparently it hasn’t, as reports from various marinas and fishing camps along the coast continue to note very few anglers venturing out.</p>
<p>Consequently, the list of who has caught what remains in the occasional column, with only scattered comments to indicate at least a few fish are being caught.</p>
<p>Our survey this week still shows sheepshead at the top of the catch list, although some spotted sea trout activity also has been noted. We took a peek, as we often do, at Capt. Judy Helmey’s (Miss Judy Charters) weekly web report (<a href="http://www.missjudycharters.com" title="www.missjudycharters.com">www.missjudycharters.com</a>.) and took note of some offshore bottom fishing action along with some reported sightings of bluefin tuna moving to warmer waters.</p>
<p>Capt. Judy and Capt. Deidra Jeffcoat had a client team of four at the Snapper Banks this past Thursday, and the bottom fishing produced quite a mix of species.</p>
<p>Also reported by a charter fishing boat was the sighting this past weekend of a right whale and her newborn.</p>
<p>Weather, and in particular cold nights along with rain and windy days continue to be a major reason so many fishermen are staying close to the home fires — waiting for better conditions, and word that fish are being caught.</p>
<p>We haven’t said much in recent weeks relative to fresh water action, but it now needs to be addressed. The bite is on for both largemouth bass and crappie in many of the lakes, ponds and impoundments.</p>
<p>While there hasn’t been a lot of chit-chat about either species being caught, there have been some impressive catches of both in recent days.</p>
<p>It is the start of the spawning season for both bass and crappie, and with the river systems still overflowing their banks, it currently makes the impoundment waters ideal targets for this type of action.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The reports </strong></p>
<p>We start first with a report from Capt. Brad Stewart, who operates Stewart’s Tybee Island Bait and Tackle along with a charter fishing service, located on Lazaretto Creek adjacent to the Highway 80 Bridge.</p>
<p>Capt. Brad made a run offshore to one of the artificial reefs this past Sunday, his clients getting a taste of sheepshead action. In a phone call this past Monday, he said the sheepshead bite wasn’t as strong as it was the previous weekend, but some big fish were landed, and also lost.</p>
<p>“The bite was a little on the slow side, but we did get some in the 9- and 10-pound range,” he said.</p>
<p>In his email that same day, he also noted that inshore action around Tybee Island was mostly anglers chasing sheepshead, and that the supply of both fiddler crabs and mud minnows at the docks was good.</p>
<p>It was on his return from the offshore reefs this past Sunday that Capt. Brad told of sighting a right whale and its calf.</p>
<p>The two were viewed at a distance for several minutes, he said, adding the mother would surface about every five or six minutes, but the yearling far more frequently.</p>
<p>Our only other sheepshead catch came from David Wood, who this past Sunday morning did some inshore targeting of the species around a bridge structure.</p>
<p>The bite apparently was excellent with lots of throw-backs devouring most of his bait.</p>
<p>In about two hours of action, he managed a half-dozen big keepers, the throw-backs “in the 25-plus range” and his bait supply almost exhausted before landing his last three keepers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Trout action </strong></p>
<p>We received two reports of spotted sea trout action, neither of which came first-hand. Both reportedly happened this past week and into the weekend, one taking place in South Carolina waters where two unidentified anglers apparently landed several sizeable trout.</p>
<p>The other came from Kilkenny Marina in Bryan County with one group of anglers reportedly having a successful day — again, no names or count numbers given.</p>
<p>A quick chat this past Monday with Ray Golden, who with wife Amy operates Coffee Bluff Marina, indicated both slow traffic and few fish being caught.</p>
<p>The few anglers who ventured out did a lot of searching but found the bite extremely slow.</p>
<p>Savannah area angler John Adams, who this time of year frequents Florida waters in search of both reds and shad, this past week made his first attempt of the year. With waters high and the bite slow, he didn’t have a lot to talk about, except that this coming weekend he is giving another shot with his grandchildren.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Largemouth bass </strong></p>
<p>As earlier noted, the fresh water bass and crappie action is picking up. This past Sunday afternoon I came upon a couple of anglers bank fishing on an area pond, the two having an impressive time catching largemouth bass.</p>
<p>Mark Cribbs and his son Elliott both where “slow fishing” soft plastic worms and were getting a lot of strikes. I stopped and watched for several minutes — Elliott first landing one then dad Mark doing the same.</p>
<p>At that point they had caught and released several. Mark was quick to say that salt water fishing was more to their liking, that their most recent efforts to target trout or reds proved fruitless, and the pond bass action was making up for it.</p>
<p>The two caught and released several more while I watched, making me I had remembered to toss some tackle in the car.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Where the bait is </strong></p>
<p>Our most recent check on live bait indicates there are still local shrimp available in some areas. Stewarts Tybee Island Bait and Tackle (912-786-7472) has mud minnows and fiddler crabs and Liz Bowens, who operates Bandy’s Bait Company (912-354-6444), located on the Skidaway Narrows adjacent to the Diamond Causeway Bridge, has both live shrimp and mud minnows. </p>
<p>In Bryan County, Fort McAllister Marina (912 727-2632) is stocking live shrimp, mud minnows and fiddler crabs, while Kilkenny Marina (912-727-2215) has shrimp and mud minnows.</p>
<p>In Liberty County at Yellow Bluff, Raburn Goodman (912-977-0062) is stocking all three, while in McIntosh County at Shellman Bluff, both Shellman Fish Camp (912-832-4331) and Fisherman’s Lodge (912-832-4671) now are handling mostly fiddler crabs, with the intent of providing live shrimp when the fishing traffic increases. Both locations reported very little activity other than sheepshead fishermen for that area of the coast since Christmas.</p>
<p>At Two-Way (912-265-0410) in Darien, both live shrimp and mud-minnows are readily available and fiddler crabs when ordered a day in advance.</p>
<p>A report of fishing action coming out of Two-Way this past Tuesday shows some spotted sea trout activity in waters south of the Sapelo Sound area, and also some excellent crappie fishing taking place in the inland fresh water impoundments.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Tides </strong></p>
<p>There has been some springing with tides this week relative to a full moon this past Tuesday and wind conditions, but high water levels are now dropping back to the 6- and 7-foot range and will continue in this range until Feb. 17, when they will increase again to the 8-foot range relative to the new moon phase. (The new moon is Feb. 18.)</p>
<p>With water temps low, there should be clear water conditions in both the rivers and sounds along much of the coast during this time.</p>
<p>Still no reports yet relative to striper action in the river systems.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505 or by email at john.burke@savannahnow.com.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-02-04/fishing-forecast-cheap-fuel-not-luring-boaters-water#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainmentBank fishingBrad StewartCaptainContact DetailsCrappieDavid WoodDeidra JeffcoatEntertainmentFamily RelationFiddlerFishFishing baitJudy ChartersJudy HelmeyKilkenny MarinaLargemouth bassLazaretto CreekMicropterusPerson CareerPerson Email AddressPlastic wormQuotationRecreational fishingSciaenidaeSeafoodSheepsheadSport fishtacklethe Savannah Morning NewsTroutwww.missjudycharters.comThu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:42 +0000John Burke1083292 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: Goodman makes sure bait is availablehttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-28/fishing-forecast-goodman-makes-sure-bait-available
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14085049.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14085046.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="187" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14085045.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14085044.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="187" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14085042.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14085041.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="299" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14085033.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="187" /></div></p>
<p>Mother Nature continues to be in a cantankerous mood when it comes to dealing out favorable weather to area fishermen. Our reports remain on the slim side as winds and cold temperatures keep the majority of anglers close to the home fires.</p>
<p>Each year once the winter fishing season settles in, the availability of live bait, particularly shrimp, mud minnows and fiddler crabs, often is unpredictable. Some bait suppliers, who specialize in shrimp, close their doors for the winter months. Not all carry the three mentioned species, some offering only shrimp, others shrimp and mud minnows and a few offering all three.</p>
<p>While mud minnows are the hardiest of all three and usually are unaffected when water temps dip into the freeze zone, shrimp and fiddler crabs are far more likely to be fatally affected.</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Taking care of bait </strong></p>
<p>Raburn Goodman at Yellow Bluff in Liberty County is one of those who provides all three, harvesting both live shrimp and mud minnows when available in area waters. He imports live shrimp from Florida during the spring months, and also importing live fiddler crabs from Florida during the winter months when the sheepshead bite climbs to the top of the angling list.</p>
<p>I visited Yellow Bluff this past week, a favorite of mine over the years, just to see how he now operates the bait business. </p>
<p>Goodman houses all three in separate containers, the mud minnows and fiddler crabs in home-built tanks on high-ground adjacent to the docks, the shrimp in a floating tank tied to the floating docks. The mud minnow and fiddler tanks are constantly fed a flow of salt water pumped from adjoining tidal creek to assure plenty of aeration. </p>
<p>While this takes care of oxygen and other needs, it doesn’t do much to counter temp drops. To offset this, Goodman has rigged up warming lights in the tanks where he keeps the shrimp and fiddlers, noting that during the recent period of temps in the 20s, the lights were a big help in avoiding a major die-off of both.</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>What it also takes </strong></p>
<p>Maintaining clean tanks for all three species also is a must to keep them healthy. Fiddlers are the most demanding, says Goodman, who frequently will purchase several thousand at a time. </p>
<p>That’s not a big number when taking into consideration sheepshead are not easy to fool and are among the best bait stealers known. The majority of sales are 50 to 100 per purchase, and sometimes more.</p>
<p>A crowded environment quickly leads to problems for all species. Fiddler crabs no different, and in the wild, the high and low tides take care of the personal cleanliness they require. It is one of the foremost reasons why fiddler crabs do not survive long in captivity if no “flushing system” is in place.</p>
<p>So, a constant flow of sea water through the tank, along with almost daily scrubbings of the container floor, has helped Goodman keep losses to a minimum.</p>
<p>But even with the best of care, he is quick to note there is no guarantee of a constant supply. Weather-related harvesting problems along with nature’s own complexity, power outages and equipment failure often become problems, so a call ahead is always suggested if you are looking for live bait.</p>
<p>He can be reached at 912-977-0062.</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>The reports </strong></p>
<p>As earlier noted, our catch reports continue to be scarce relative to what they were before the fall season bowed from the scene.</p>
<p>This week’s reports are mostly about sheepshead, both offshore and inshore — the offshore reef waters apparently the hottest locations when weather permits.</p>
<p>Capt. Brad Stewart, who operates Stewart’s Tybee Island Bait and Tackle along with a charter fishing service located on Lazaretto Creek (912-786-7472), forwarded a report for the area, noting, “For the few people venturing out, we have had some great reports!”</p>
<p>He followed by saying the sheepshead bite remains solid both offshore and inshore, adding, “We have had a few reports of a decent trout bite over the last week, with a few limits being taken.”</p>
<p>Capt. Brad also told of a couple of charters that he has recently made to the offshore reef areas, saying, “We have hammered the sheepshead and sea bass.”</p>
<p>The Lazaretto location is another that currently has a solid supply of both mud minnows and fiddler crabs, but no mention was made of live shrimp.</p>
<p>Myles Swanson, who we occasional hear from, emailed an account of a trip to the offshore reefs, which was one Capt. Brad referred to.</p>
<p>Also on the trip were Joan “Yogi” Gara and Trina Brown. It took place last week on Wednesday, Swanson said, noting they “got the best day of the week and had an excellent day for black sea bass and sheepshead,” and “a nice black drum was caught as a bonus.”</p>
<p>Swanson noted they all caught their limit of black sea bass and “each person caught six or seven keeper sheepshead, which ranged from 4 to 6 pounds.”</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Inshore catch </strong></p>
<p>The only other reports received as of this writing came from David Wood, who seldom lets a weekend go past without testing the waters somewhere for whatever is biting.</p>
<p>He and wife Sarah on Saturday targeted sheepshead on “another not so perfect weekend on the salt” that apparently turned out to be a “fair day of fishing.”</p>
<p>Saying the winds were terrible and the bite not much better, he told of a lot of waiting time between bites, and those so soft that “if you were sleeping, your chance was gone.”</p>
<p>Yet, all was not in vain. A 6-pound sheepshead was finally landed, followed by another of unmentioned weight, then another wait.</p>
<p>It went on that way for most of the day, the two landing nine keepers and releasing another eight or 10 throwbacks.</p>
<p>He closed by saying that “the trout are still thick in the area I fish,” adding he was told by a couple of his friends that they had caught their limit on Sunday.</p>
</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505, or by email at <a href="mailto:john.burke@savannahnow.com">john.burke@savannahnow.com</a>. </p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-28/fishing-forecast-goodman-makes-sure-bait-available#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainmentAerationAnglingBlack drumBrad StewartCaptainContact DetailsDavid WoodDecapodsEntertainmentFiddlerFiddler crabFishFishing baitFloridaMyles SwansonNaturePerson CareerPerson Email AddressQuotationRaburn GoodmanRecreational fishingSciaenidaeSeafoodSheepsheadShrimpSport fishthe Savannah Morning NewsUS Federal ReserveWed, 28 Jan 2015 22:40:38 +0000John Burke1082625 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: Local anglers target sheepshead with successhttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-21/fishing-forecast-local-anglers-target-sheepshead-success
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14066891.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="186" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14066889.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="215" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14066892.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="276" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14066890.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14066893.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="186" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Coastal fishing action continues to be on the slack side, with minimal angling traffic being reported this week. A check with various locations along the coast indicates few anglers venturing out, with most of the activity reported during the latter part of last week and into the weekend.</p>
<p>The continued cool night temps along with the current spring tide action continue to have a negative impact on boat-angling traffic as fishing camps and marinas note few people fishing.</p>
<p>While catches of both spotted sea trout and red drum have been noted, most of the action reported has centered on sheepshead, both offshore and inshore.</p>
<p>The offshore reefs are now hot spots for both sheepshead and black sea bass. If past winter seasons are any indicators of what to expect, these locations will be producing the best of both species for the next several weeks.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Tourney results </strong></p>
<p>Coffee Bluff Marina held its fourth annual sheepshead tournament last Saturday, and the winning top two catches were taken at the offshore reefs.</p>
<p>The winning team was from the Richmond Hill area — Rocky Mallard, Sam Todd, Robert Udinsky, his son Holbyn, age 8, and Lee Southard. The team weighed in a five sheepshead weighing a total of 20 pounds.</p>
<p>Second-place honors went to Hinesville anglers Robert Murphy, James Lee, Dwayne Sutten and James Baker, whose five fish where only a fraction short of tying for first at 19.88 pounds.</p>
<p>Third-place honors went to members of the Coffee Bluff team of Capt. Ray Golden, Jimmy Davis and Mike Smith, who fished inshore and weighed in five totaling 18 pounds, 9 ounces.</p>
<p>Offshore waters apparently got a little rough on Saturday, with seas reportedly building to 4 or 5 feet.</p>
<p>However, the sheepshead bite at the reefs was steady as was the black sea bass bite.</p>
<p>Capt. Ray Golden said his team elected to target the inshore structures such as docks, catching a lot of fish by frequently moving.</p>
<p>“We stayed in a river all day. I know we caught over 30 fish, the biggest weighing 6 pounds,” he said, adding that they weighed in the five heaviest of 12-14 they kept.</p>
<p>Golden noted that they hooked and lost several big fish that easily would have put them in contention for first place.</p>
<p>Apparently the two teams fishing the reefs also hooked several big sheepshead but were unable to land them.</p>
<p>A total of 12 teams competed.</p>
<p>At the same event, the Coffee Bluff Inshore Fishing Club presented its angler of the year award, which this year went to Capt. Ray Golden.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Trout, reds </strong></p>
<p>The inshore trout and redfish reports continue to be scattered at best, with only one specific trout catch being indicated.</p>
<p>David Wood, as he often is, was back on the water this past Saturday, forced to get a later start than usual due to his work schedule.</p>
<p>That caused him to miss the Coffee Bluff sheepshead event, so he loaded up his boat and headed to the South Carolina waters of the May River.</p>
<p>“The bite was slow at best, with only a couple of reds landed that were way too big (30-plus inches) and one keeper trout,” he wrote in an email, adding he decided to move, taking a long boat ride to one of his favorite South Carolina fishing holes which proved to be a good choice.</p>
<p>“Upon arrival, there were some friends of mine leaving the area. I spoke with them, and they said two hours work of fishing yielded them nothing. I didn’t have much hope, but decided to give it a whirl,” he said.</p>
<p>The first half-hour proved much the same for him, but as the current slowed and he went to “slow twitching” the bait, it caught the attention of an 18-inch trout.</p>
<p>And then there were more.</p>
<p>“The aggression wasn’t there, but they were hungry, and the very slow twitching baits were too much for the sluggish fish,” he continued, noting that he ended up catching “my Carolina limit plus at least another limit thrown back.”</p>
<p>“A very good end to a slow start,” he closed, saying the number of “throw-back” trout were noticeably absent from the overall bite.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Other reports </strong></p>
<p>We took a peek at Capt. Judy Helmey’s weekly web report (<a href="http://www.missjudycharters.com" title="www.missjudycharters.com">www.missjudycharters.com</a>) as we frequently do, noting her assessment of the inshore action also shows a lot of searching for the bite, and a lot of slow fishing patience needed when it is found.</p>
<p>She also cautions that right whales are on their migration journey and for boaters to give them a wide berth.</p>
<p>Calls to areas south of Chatham County also show only scattered angling boat traffic.</p>
<p>Robert Bacot at Kilkenny Marina in Bryan County noted very little action over the weekend, although a local club tournament held there last Saturday did produce a few spotted sea trout.</p>
<p>A talk Tuesday with Rayburn Goodman at Yellow Bluff indicated almost no activity in that area, although one group of anglers were heading to the offshore reefs that day, reportedly targeting sheepshead.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Live bait availability </strong></p>
<p>Taking a quick look at the live bait side of angling ledgers, local live shrimp are still available at several locations, as are fiddler crabs and mud minnows.</p>
<p>In Chatham County, Liz Bowens operates Bandy’s Bait Company, located at the public boat ramp on the Skidaway Narrows, adjacent to the Diamond Causeway leading to Skidaway Island. Bowens reports this week having both live bait shrimp and also mud minnows. However, she is no longer handling fiddler crabs.</p>
<p>Coffee Bluff Marina has fiddler crabs, and Stewart’s Tybee Island Bait and Tackle, located on Lazaretto Creek, has fiddler crabs and mud minnows.</p>
<p>In Bryan County, Kilkenny Marina continues to have live bait shrimp, as does Yellow Bluff’s Raburn Goodman, who also has both mud minnows and fiddler crabs.</p>
<p>We are still looking for reports of striper action on the river systems. It has been extremely quiet thus far.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505 or by email at <a href="mailto:john.burke@savannahnow.com">john.burke@savannahnow.com</a>. </p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-21/fishing-forecast-local-anglers-target-sheepshead-success#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainmentHinesvilleCoastalAnglingblack seaCaptainCoffee Bluff MarinaContact DetailsCynoscion nebulosusDavid WoodDwayne SuttenEntertainmentFamily RelationFiddlerFishFishing baitHolbynJames BakerJames LeeJimmy DavisLee SouthardLiz BowensMike SmithPerson AttributesPerson CareerPerson Email AddressPerson LocationPerson TravelQuotationRay GoldenRecreational fishingRed drumRobert MurphyRobert UdinskySam ToddSciaenidaeSeafoodSheepsheadSparidaeSport fishthe Savannah Morning NewsTroutWed, 21 Jan 2015 22:27:25 +0000John Burke1081977 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: Fishing slow, but little damage from freezehttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-14/fishing-forecast-fishing-slow-little-damage-freeze
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14048465.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14048462.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14048461.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14048457.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14048456.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14048455.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /></div></p>
<p>Coastal fishing reports remain in the slim pickings column as Mother Nature continues to drape the area with a mix of cold, wet, windy and whatever other type of weather she deems appropriate.</p>
<p>The recent temps dropping below freezing along with the intermittent rains apparently have kept the majority of fishermen close to the home, and our calls to various locations this week have varied from none to very few fish being caught.</p>
<p>However, as we frequently have noted in the past when action was slow, those who go, and know when and where, and persevere, catch fish.</p>
<p>The recent freeze apparently did little damage. A check earlier in the week with Spud Woodward, who heads up the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia DNR, said no fish kills had been reported as of Monday, and that due to the short duration of the freeze, water temps did not drop to lethal levels.</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Trout action </strong></p>
<p>David Wood, a regular who provides knowledge of the area bite, proved that the freeze didn’t seem to slow the action either Saturday or Sunday.</p>
<p>He emailed a report and opened by telling of taking one of his best friends, Herman Lee, and Lee’s grandsons Conner and Camden Lee on the two youngsters’ first-ever trout fishing trip.</p>
<p>Conner, the eldest, was first to get a strike — “an instant bite as soon as the bait hit the water,” he wrote.</p>
<p>“He was so excited, and just kept saying ‘it’s a big one, grandpa. I need some help.’ It wasn’t but a couple of seconds later his little brother followed suit. Those two youngsters had a heck of a time catching trout after trout,” he continued, adding it became a contest between the two as they compared their catch.</p>
<p>“It is hard to say how many we caught, but between the four of us, we ran out of bait in a hurry,” he added. </p>
<p>The following day, Wood made another run, targeting both trout and reds. The bite not only was slower, but also at a different depth. “The bottom was hot with Herman and his grandkids, but today (Sunday) the bottom didn’t produce a single bite.”</p>
<p>A shift in tackle to “pencil floats” seemed to do the trick. “As soon as I drifted past a particular tree stump, (the float) would slowly dip out of (sight). There was no aggression at all with the bite,” he related, closing by saying he did manage a limit of both trout and reds, with no monsters in the catch, both trout and reds averaging 17 inches.</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Generally slow </strong></p>
<p>Calls to Coffee Bluff Marina, Tybee Island Bait and Tackle, Kilkenny Marina in Bryan County and Raburn Goodman at Yellow Bluff in Liberty County confirmed the slow-angling activity.</p>
<p>Danny Bacot at Kilkenny said only one group of anglers went out over the weekend, and the catch resulted in only two keeper trout along with a substantial number of throw-backs.</p>
<p>“That’s more than is happening here,” said Goodman at Yellow Bluff, who said he had plenty of live bait shrimp, fiddler crabs and mud minnows and no fishermen. “It has been dead since the freeze. Nobody has been going out.”</p>
<p>However, with predictions of more favorable weather for the weekend, and anticipation that the bite will be good again, indications are the boat angling traffic also will increase.</p>
<p>Prior to the freeze. the winter fishing season was cruising along as hoped, with some excellent catches reported.</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Pre-freeze action </strong></p>
<p>Myles Swanson emailed an account in which he told of having another great outing fishing inshore waters for sheepshead.</p>
<p>“Big ones are found around the rig-eating structure,” he noted, adding he caught dozens of juvenile sheepshead while landing six keepers in the 12 to 14-inch range. Swanson said the fish seemed to be feeding on what looked like barnacles, baby stone crabs, “and one spit up a 4-inch menhaden.” Those he caught were taken of a ”buffet of squid/mudminnow/fishbites bloodworm.”</p>
<p>Another report came from George Feehley, who was recently fishing one of the offshore reefs with Capt. Greg Davis (912-398-8134). The two got into some full-grown flounder and a massive bull red.</p>
<p>We talked with Capt. Greg, who told us the reef was “full of black sea bass,” and that the winter season variety normally found there was looking good.</p>
<p>When we spoke with Capt. Brad Stewart at Tybee Island bait and Tackle, he, too, told of some excellent action at a reef in about 45 feet of water early last week before the freeze.</p>
<p>He told of a tremendous catch of sheepshead and also significant numbers of grouper caught and released — he was surprised to find the grouper congregating in such numbers. </p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Sheepshead tourney </strong></p>
<p>Coffee Bluff Marina will be holding a sheepshead tournament Saturday — the fourth annual.</p>
<p>Capt. Ray Golden, who operates the facility, says the format is the heaviest weight of five sheepshead, with lines in the water at 7 a.m. and weigh-in at Coffee Bluff Marina completed by 4 p.m.</p>
<p>The entry fee is $50 per boat with team members based on the maximum safe vessel limit.</p>
<p>For more information, contact Coffee Bluff Marina at 912-200-3805.</p>
<p>The one species we keep looking for on the action list is striped bass. As previously noted, this is the prime time of year for these fish to be active in the tidal waters of the various rivers systems along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts.</p>
<p>Only one report of action has thus far been received — that of one caught on the Little Ogeechee several weeks ago.</p>
</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505, or by email at <a href="mailto:john.burke@savannahnow.com">john.burke@savannahnow.com</a>. </p>
</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-14/fishing-forecast-fishing-slow-little-damage-freeze#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainmentCoastalAnglingCamden LeeCaptainCoffee Bluff MarinaConner LeeContact DetailsDavid WoodEntertainmentFishFishingFishing baitGeorgiaGreg DavisHerman LeeMyles SwansonNatural DisasterPerson CareerPerson Email AddressQuotationRecreational fishingSeafoodSheepsheadSport fishSpud Woodwardtacklethe Savannah Morning NewsTroutWed, 14 Jan 2015 22:05:15 +0000John Burke1081282 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: Cold spell may bring big chill to local fishinghttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-07/fishing-forecast-cold-spell-may-bring-big-chill-local-fishing
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14030579.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="280" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14030599.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="372" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14030577.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="158" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14030567.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14030566.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14030565.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is a hit-or-miss situation when making fishing predictions, particularly when warnings of cold fronts and freezing temps come into play.</p>
<p>At the time of this writing, the warnings were up, weather fronts were on the move, and temperatures expected to dip into the 20s Wednesday and today.</p>
<p>Based on this, there is a definite chance the coastal fishing action will take a hit.</p>
<p>Already there has been a noticeable movement in bait shrimp in some of the approved dragging area — enough to cause at least one bait supplier in Chatham County to close until early spring.</p>
<p>Adams’ Bait Shop at Thunderbolt is closed and will reopen sometime in March, a seasonal closure that takes place each year when bait shrimp become difficult to locate.</p>
<p>We talked Saturday to Donny Adams, who at the time said a drag for shrimp that morning was non-productive — the concentrations of bait shrimp which had been there a few days before had left. Fuel costs to reach more distant areas — with the same lack of shrimp possible — make it not worth the effort, he said.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Current availability </strong></p>
<p>This is not to say that live bait shrimp are no longer available. We also talked Sunday with Liz Bowens at Bandy’s Bait Company (912-354-6444), located on the Skidaway Narrows adjacent to the Skidaway Island Bridge. She had both live bait shrimp and live mud minnows.</p>
<p>We talked with Capt. Brad Stewart at Tybee Island Bait and Tackle (912-786-7472) also this past Sunday. The live bait available there consisted of both mud minnows and fiddler crabs.</p>
<p>South of the Ogeechee River, the dragging areas continue to have good concentrations of live bait shrimp, although their movement also is being noted.</p>
<p>Both Kilkenny Marina (912-727-2215) in Bryan County and Raburn Goodman (912-977-0062) at Yellow Bluff in Liberty County east of Midway have both live shrimp and mud minnows. Yellow Bluff also has fiddler crabs.</p>
<p>As noted, a deep freeze could change it all, including the fish bite.</p>
<p>Our reports continue to be on the slim side but provide definite indications the winter season is well in place, and “who has caught what” includes a good mix of both inshore and offshore action.</p>
<p>Overall, sheepshead have climbed well up the catch list ladder, this week outshining both spotted sea trout and red drum for inshore action. Also, these chunky battlers are beginning to concentrate in and around the offshore artificial reefs, and the inshore bite shows some excellent catches being taken.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Tybee report </strong></p>
<p>We start with an email received from Stewart, who has been MIA on the reporting list for the last three weeks — extensive home repairs from recent storm damage reportedly the reason.</p>
<p>For the Tybee Island area and surrounding waters, he opened by saying “over the last week we have been working on the offshore and inshore patters and are having a lot of success, but the windows of opportunity are getting smaller and the weather is a major factor.”</p>
<p>He also noted the catches are getting smaller, relative to trout and bass, yet in contrast said the inshore sheepshead bite is really picking up.</p>
<p>“We are selling a lot of fiddlers, and the reports have been solid,” he wrote.</p>
<p>His assessment of the offshore artificial reef action falls in line with similar reports we have received recently — that the black sea bass continue to be the dominant species at the near-shore wrecks, but that sheepshead numbers also are increasing.</p>
<p>“The redfish have moved offshore with some nice ones being caught in 50 feet of water,” he said, adding, “We have been targeting the large flounder that school up this time of year. We are not catching a ton, but they are a lot of fun to fish for.”</p>
<p>He closed by noting that surf fishermen in the Tybee Island area have “been catching a fair amount of whiting” and that an increase in small black drum also has been noted.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Trout, reds and sheepshead </strong></p>
<p>We also heard from David Wood, who frequently keeps us posted as to what he’s catching, who opened by saying 2014 for him, his wife Sara and friends was a “tremendous” fishing year. He closed it out last week with a solo trip to South Carolina waters, targeting both trout and reds.</p>
<p>Apparently the bite was hot for both, with the first cast of the day netting the largest of three keeper reds — one measuring just short of 23 inches and weighing 4 pounds, 6 ounces.</p>
<p>“The trout then started rolling in the boat. It wasn’t long before my limit of 10 nice trout was achieved,” he wrote, also noting, “the reds were also loaded up on this drop much heavier than I have found them before.”</p>
<p>Wood said his limit of three also consisted of another measuring 22 3/4 inches and the smallest 19 inches. His dozen trout averaged 15 inches, with the largest 18 inches.</p>
<p>He greeted the new year the past Sunday in local waters targeting sheepshead with friends John King and Matt Sollus — a first for King.</p>
<p>“As luck would have it, John brought the first two fish into the boat,” he said, adding that the sheephead bite was only fair and that they harvested seven during a short trip.</p>
<p>“The smaller fish were fairly thick with one keeper per every four fish caught,” he said, noting that two of the seven weighed in over 6 pounds while the remaining five were in the 3- to 4-pound range.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>More reports </strong></p>
<p>We also checked with Kilkenny Marina in Bryan County and with Raburn Goodman at Yellow Bluff and the catch reports were similar — mostly sheepshead being caught.</p>
<p>We took a quick look at Capt. Judy Helmy’s (Miss Judy Charters 912-897-4921) weekly web report at <a href="http://www.missjudycharters.com" title="www.missjudycharters.com">www.missjudycharters.com</a> as we often do. Her take this week relative to weather reports also raises the “wait-and-see” flag, and her catch report for the past week includes action both inshore and offshore.</p>
<p>For inshore, it was about the trout and redfish bite and the artificials that are working. Offshore it tells of some excellent blue water action that produced blackfin tuna and mahi.</p>
<p>She also alerts anglers that the grouper season is now closed.</p>
<p>With freeze warnings still in the forecast as we complete this week’s survey, no guesses as what the trout or redfish bite will be like for the coming days. The sheepshead action should continue to improve, and stripers action in the tidal waters of the river systems should start climbing the catch ladder.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505, or by email at john.burke@savannahnow.com.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-07/fishing-forecast-cold-spell-may-bring-big-chill-local-fishing#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainment912-354-6444912-727-2215912-786-7472912-977-0062BaitBlack drumBoth Kilkenny MarinaBrad StewartCaptainContact DetailsCynoscion nebulosusDavid WoodDonny AdamsEntertainmentFamily RelationFiddlerFishFishing baitJohn BurkeJudy ChartersLiz BowensPerson CareerPerson Email AddressPerson RelationQuotationRed drumSciaenidaeSeafoodSheepsheadShrimpSkidaway Island BridgeSport fishtacklethe Savannah Morning NewsTroutWed, 07 Jan 2015 23:16:43 +0000John Burke1080724 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: A quirky year in fishing closes outhttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-31/fishing-forecast-uirky-year-local-fishing-comes-close
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14011278.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="158" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14011277.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="420" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14011276.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14011275.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="158" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14011274.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="187" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Welcome to 2015. A new year, new start and hopefully a prosperous, healthy and happy one for all.</p>
<p>As noted a couple times in recent reports, the 2014 salt water fishing seasons all appeared to have their quirks, having many anglers scratching their heads while wondering what was going on. Nothing seemed to fit the norm, except that sharks and a multitude of related bait stealers managed to stake out their watery turfs as they usually do.</p>
<p>As crazy and mixed up as it was, Mother Nature apparently decided to close out the final days with at least a hint of a smile for the limited number of angling souls who hungered for at least one more catch before year’s end.</p>
<p>While still on the short side, our survey this week of who had caught what shows a definite increase in trout action going into the past weekend, along with reds, flounder and sheepshead for the inshore waters.</p>
<p>Offshore, from the artificial reefs to the deeper waters of the Snapper Banks and related live bottoms, there are fish to be caught — many keepers and many which must be released to bite again another day.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Trout bite </strong></p>
<p>The weekly Monday ritual of phone calls to various marinas, fishing camps and bait dealers, quickly showed that following Christmas Day, angling traffic picked up. It, too, became noticeable that keeper-size trout action was, at least in some areas, dominating the chatter.</p>
<p>Earl Gant at Adams Bait House, located adjacent to the public boat ramp on the Wilmington River at Thunderbolt, was quick to say that action over the past weekend produced some excellent trout catches for many anglers who had fished out of the boat ramp area or who had come to purchase live bait.</p>
<p>He spoke in particular of action in the waters around Tybee Island, noting some residents came in for live shrimp and reported good action with still a lot of throwbacks being caught along with keepers.</p>
<p>As noted in recent weeks, trout in particular seem to be on the move and “bunching up” — similar to reports of bait shrimp which also are beginning to seek out the deeper holes where water temps are warmer.</p>
<p>Gant noted that bait shrimp sales have been brisk through the weekend and because bait shrimp concentrations in the approved dragging areas are changing daily, they often run out before another supply can be caught.</p>
<p>“I’ve seen and heard of a lot of nice trout being caught in the past few days,” he commented.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>More about trout, reds </strong></p>
<p>A check with Robert Bacot at Kilkenny Marina in Bryan County was much the same, except that most of the activity for that area took place last Friday and Saturday, with very little catch action reported Sunday.</p>
<p>“There was almost no action reported Sunday. It was dead. Nobody caught any,” he said, adding the bait shrimp in that area also are bunching up and moving to the deeper holes;</p>
<p>Capt. Judy Helmey (Miss Judy Charters, 912-897-4921), also noted improved trout and slot-size inshore trout and redfish action this week in her Web report, which can be accessed at <a href="http://www.missjudycharters.com" title="www.missjudycharters.com">www.missjudycharters.com</a>. </p>
<p>In that report, she also makes note of fish movement and that hunt and search currently is the best way to find action. Catch action is good.</p>
<p>The current bait of choice for trout and slot reds is live shrimp and mud minnows, with artificial soft plastics running a close second.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Sheepshead report </strong></p>
<p>We received one inshore email account of sheepshead action. David Wood has been switching back and forth between targeting trout and reds and targeting sheepshead, with the past weekend’s effort going after the latter.</p>
<p>It started slowly for Wood, who noted the bite was soft with a lot of “lip hooks,” with him missing the first four or five hits.</p>
<p>Noting the soft bite, he changed tactics and gear, and it all changed for the better, adding “sheepshead after sheephead rolled in the boat after that.”</p>
<p>“The fish were definitely the nicest average of the season, with only four undersized sheepshead caught,” he wrote, adding he “missed several nice fish” at the boat while attempting to net them.</p>
<p>Starting out at daylight and home by noon, he had his limit.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Bull reds </strong></p>
<p>A report of bull red activity at one of the near-shore artificial reefs took place this past Sunday when Coffee Bluff resident Art Gnann and his son-in-law Wes Hobbs were targeting black sea bass.</p>
<p>Gnann got into a tug-o-war with what he first thought might have been a big shark or something similar. It turned out to be a big red which measured 33 inches and weighed an estimated 15 pounds before it was released.</p>
<p>When asked about the black sea bass bite, he said it was excellent, the two anglers boating around 60, all of which measured in the 14-15-inch range, and releasing the majority.</p>
<p>An unexpected blanket of fog added a bit of anxiety to the trip. Visibility dropped to less than 100 feet, but GPS and compass led the way home. “Had I followed what I thought was the right direction, we would have ended up on Ossabaw Island or somewhere else,” he said.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Skinny water reds, clinic </strong></p>
<p>Another bull red catch came via Capt. Judy’s Web report this week, one telling of Capt. Keven Rose taking a “fish man’s holiday,” and doing some “skinny water” fishing with friends Drew McCullough and Doug Kellogg — McCullough providing a “super skinny flats boat”. </p>
<p>The trip took place the weekend before Christmas, the action apparently slow and spread out, with a least a couple of impressive bulls being caught and released.</p>
<p>And while still with Capt. Judy, take note of her upcoming fishing clinics, both inshore and offshore, classroom and on the water.</p>
<p>Inshore events on the best how, when and where methods will be held Feb. 21 and 22, with a classroom session Feb. 21 at Tubby’s Tank House in Thunderbolt and an on-water instructional presentation out of Miss Judy Charters docks, located at 202 Wilmington Road on Wilmington Island.</p>
<p>Two offshore clinics are slated for March 7-8, both are half-day and on the water presentations, also out of Miss Judy Charters docks.</p>
<p>For more information, call 912-897-4921 or go to the Miss Judy Charters website.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Sheepshead tourney </strong></p>
<p>Coffee Bluff Marina will be holding its fourth annual sheepshead tournament on Jan. 17.</p>
<p>Format is the heaviest weight of five sheepshead, with lines in the water at 7 a.m. and weigh-in at Coffee Bluff Marina complete by 4 p.m.</p>
<p>Entry fee is $50 per boat, with team members based on the maximum safe vessel limit.</p>
<p>For more information, contact Coffee Bluff Marina at 912-200-3805.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The outlook </strong></p>
<p>There is optimism that 2015 will be a good fishing year, both inshore and offshore, and from this seat at the table, it appears to be getting off to a fair-to-good start. </p>
<p>For starters, trout and reds still are prime angling targets along with sheepshead, but look for striper action to start picking up in the river systems.</p>
<p>January through March historically are peak months for striper action in the tidal waters of the rivers.</p>
<p>Too, the annual run of shad will soon begin, although most of the rod and reel action starts once the dogwoods begin to bloom.</p>
<p>And for those who favor the river fresh water action, many of the rivers and streams are at flood levels, giving the various species lots of good feeding grounds to fatten for when the bite begins again.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505, or by e-mail at <a href="mailto:john.burke@savannahnow.com">john.burke@savannahnow.com</a>. </p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-31/fishing-forecast-uirky-year-local-fishing-comes-close#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainmentTechnology912-897-4921AnglingArt GnannCaptainChristmas DayCoffee Bluff MarinaContact DetailsDavid WoodEarl GantEntertainmentFamily RelationFishFishing baitJudy ChartersJudy HelmeyKilkenny MarinaNew Year's DayPerson CareerPerson Email AddressQuotationRecreational fishingRobert BacotSeafoodSheepsheadSport fishTechnologythe Savannah Morning NewsTroutwww.missjudycharters.comWed, 31 Dec 2014 19:31:03 +0000John Burke1080128 at http://savannahnow.comFishing Forecast: Action slow as the yearof fishing closes outhttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-24/fishing-forecast-action-slow-year-fishing-closes-out
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13995981.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="187" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13995982.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13995980.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13995979.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /></div><p>A Merry Christmas to all.</p>
<p>One week left in 2014, and the coastal fishing action continues to be on the slow side — cool temps and the normal transition into the seasonal winter mode are mostly to blame.</p>
<p>Still, fish are being caught, and while the 2014 season was a bit on the crazy side, it seems to be bidding farewell. There is optimism that 2015 will be a fun to fish year.</p>
<p>Our tally this week of who has caught what is on the short side. Inshore action continues to produce a mix of young and old relative to spotted sea trout and red drum, while the sheepshead bite is still on the increase. The offshore spotlight is on black sea bass and sheepshead at the artificial reefs, along with a mix of other bottom species, including lionfish at the live bottom areas.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Action areas </strong></p>
<p>Capt. Judy Helmey (Miss Judy Charters) in her weekly web report, which can be accessed at <a href="http://www.missjudycharters.com" title="www.missjudycharters.com">www.missjudycharters.com</a>, makes note of the inshore trout bite and also how cooler water temps are putting red drum on the move, reflecting the need for anglers to adjust their fishing methods.</p>
<p>She reports offshore artificial reef action relative to black sea bass and sheepshead.</p>
<p>In a brief phone call this past Monday, she noted the sheepshead are now congregating at the reefs, while the black sea bass still are so plentiful, they tend to muscle their way to the baited hooks. Don’t expect any improvement until the sea bass move to deeper waters, she added.</p>
<p>As for the sea bass action — it doesn’t get much better than it is right now.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Fishing clinics </strong></p>
<p>And while in the Miss Judy Charters camp, take note of some up-coming fishing clinics on her 2015 schedule.</p>
<p>Inshore clinics on the best methods are slated for February 21 and 22, with the first a classroom session at Tubby’s Tank House on River Street in Thunderbolt, and the latter an in-the-water instructional presentation out of the Miss Judy docks at 202 Wilmington Road on Wilmington Island.</p>
<p>There also are two offshore sessions slated for March 7-8, both of which are half-day on the water clinics, also out of the Miss Judy docks.</p>
<p>For more information, contact Miss Judy Charters at 912-897-4921.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>More about offshore </strong></p>
<p>Still on the offshore scene, we turn to a report from Capt. James (Jimmy) Sather and the “Tight Lines” fishing team composed of himself, Chad and Dustin Landing and Jason Johnson. They recently targeted the Snapper Banks for some bottom fishing and caught a mix of black sea bass, vermillion snapper, trigger fish, grunts and three red snapper which were vented and released. The largest landed by Sather was estimated to have weighed 40 to 45 pounds.</p>
<p>“We also hooked and released three bull sharks around 7-8 feet long,” he wrote in an e-mail, also noting they were planning another “hunt” this past weekend for grouper “before it closes (the season) on Jan. 1.” No report yet as to the outcome.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>About lionfish </strong></p>
<p>We haven’t heard much in recent weeks about lionfish, but they apparently are thriving off the Georgia coast, which should be a concern to everyone.</p>
<p>Capt. Derek Brown did some diving at a 200-foot ledge at the Snapper Banks this past Saturday, saying in an e-mail that he “could not cover the ledge without my special container filling up with these roaches,” referring to a photo he also forwarded showing some full-grown lionfish he had harvested. His total catch weighed in at 58 pounds.</p>
<p>To get a better handle on what the population of lionfish looked like in the area, I e-mailed him back for some more details. He answered by saying he saw about 50 adults and juveniles while covering about 70 percent of each ledge area. “They hide well by tucking up tight in the rocks. Sometimes I completely overlook them. The adult and juvenile percentage is roughly spread across (the area) with equal large, medium and small. They are thriving quite well,” he said.</p>
<p>It is his last comment that lifts the danger flags. Lionfish can have a devastating impact on the snapper-grouper fishery as well as other species common to these areas. With highly venomous fins, voracious appetites, and few, if any, enemies, they cause havoc wherever they become established — and that area is steadily increasing along the Atlantic Coast.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Inshore action </strong></p>
<p>Now to inshore trout action, and some notable catches. It continues to be hit or miss with many anglers.</p>
<p>Had a little chit-chat time last week with Sylvania resident Eddie Reddick who was telling about a recent trip to the Julienton River in the Sapelo Sound area with his brother. </p>
<p>Late in the day and after unsuccessful hunts covering a lot of their favorite haunts, they were making one last move.</p>
<p>“I was ready to hang it up. We hadn’t had a bite all day,” he said. Then it all changed.</p>
<p>His brother made a cast into the mouth of a creek, didn’t immediately notice the cork on the float rig disappear under the water, and when he did, tried to set the hook and missed.</p>
<p>“He made another cast and caught one, and then the bite was just as fast as we could cast, and big trout too,” he said, adding that they soon both had their limit and went home.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Ossabaw catch </strong></p>
<p>Our e-mail report of trout and redfish action came from David Wood, who fished with area angler Bob Tedder in the Ossabaw Sound area last week.</p>
<p>According to Wood, the two have very different fishing strategies, but the combined approach proved highly productive. “The fish kept rolling in the boat with several different approaches,” he remarked.</p>
<p>They started at daybreak and soon had their limit of both trout and reds.</p>
<p>“We didn’t keep any reds under 16 inches, with the largest one around 19 inches. As for the trout, they were definitely a stringer to be proud of, with the majority over 16 inches,” he said, adding Tedder weighed in one at two pounds, six ounces.</p>
<p>He closed by saying the number of fish caught that day was close to 100, with a lot of throwbacks of both trout and reds, among the many they released.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Sheepshead tourney </strong></p>
<p>Coffee Bluff Marina will be holding its fourth annual sheepshead tournament on Jan. 17.</p>
<p>Format is heaviest weight of five sheepshead, with lines in the water at 7 a.m. and weigh-in complete by 4 p.m. Entry fee is $50 per boat, with team members based on to the maximum safe vessel limit.</p>
<p>For more information, contact Coffee Bluff Marina at (912) 200-3805.</p>
<p>Till next year — the best to all.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at (912) 655-8505, or by e-mail at <a href="mailto:john.burke@savannahnow.com">john.burke@savannahnow.com</a>. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-24/fishing-forecast-action-slow-year-fishing-closes-out#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainment912-897-4921black seaBob TedderBrown troutCaptainChad LandingChristmasCoastal fishContact DetailsCynoscion nebulosusDerek BrownDustin LandingEddie ReddickEntertainmentFishGeorgiaJames (Jimmy) SatherJason JohnsonJudy ChartersJudy HelmeyMiss Judy Charters campPerson CareerPerson Email AddressPteroisQuotationRed snapperScorpaenidaethe Savannah Morning NewsTroutVenomous fishwww.missjudycharters.comWed, 24 Dec 2014 19:06:28 +0000John Burke1079571 at http://savannahnow.comFISHING FORECAST: Anglers still puzzled over this year's changeshttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-17/fishing-forecast-anglers-still-puzzled-over-years-changes
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13974487.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13974485.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="187" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13974484.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="497" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13974483.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="351" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13974481.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13974480.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13974478.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /></div></p>
<p>As 2014 takes its final bow and paves the way for a new year, it will leave behind a legion of salt water anglers still are scratching their heads, trying to get a handle on the many changes that have occurred.</p>
<p>As Capt. Judy Helmey (Miss Judy Charters, 912-897-4921) commented, it has been a crazy year relative to fish movement, the bite and more.</p>
<p>A quick chat this week with Spud Woodward, who heads up the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia DNR in Brunswick, indicates it still is. An avid fisherman himself, he was lamenting the fact that over the weekend he and others couldn’t even get a yellowtail to bite in an area where the trout bite is usually good.</p>
<p>Yet in other areas, there were limit catches reported along with the yearlings — a situation which frequently has been noted this year.</p>
<p>The fact that very small trout are still showing up in the catch areas and even those in the 5- and 6-inch range being caught and released by bait-shrimp fishermen, have been the buzz among many anglers in recent days.</p>
<p>Our check this week continues to show a significant number of yearling trout being caught, with as much as a 10-to-1 ratio of throwbacks still being encountered by trout fishermen.</p>
<p>Hopefully this will be a plus for 2015, but that, too, could fail to materialize if water temps drop too low.</p>
<p>As Woodward noted when the subject of small trout came up, late bloomers have far less chance of surviving the winter months than do those born in the spring. The first born have had time to grow and are larger and less vulnerable to cold temperatures and predation. </p>
<p>“Trout are predators and cannibalistic,” he said, quipping that it is not a smart idea for a young trout to be hanging out where the big ones are roaming.</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>The catch list </strong></p>
<p>Trout seem to be at the top of the list for inshore action this week with red drum, sheepshead and a smattering of black drum also in the count. The near-shore and offshore action has the spotlight on black sea bass and bull reds.</p>
<p>We start with a report received this week from Robert Bacot at Kilkenny Marina in Bryan County, east of Richmond Hill.</p>
<p>“It was really good Saturday, but dropped off a bit on Sunday,” he said of the inshore action.</p>
<p>One of the noted catches on Saturday was made by Richmond Hill anglers Allen Daniels and Charlie Burkett, who first returned to the Kilkenny docks with a limit of trout, and then went out again, targeting and limiting out on reds.</p>
<p>Still another angler fishing out of Kilkenny on Sunday and this past Monday, found the bite to off Sunday but on Monday, catching a mix of trout and bass on the latter.</p>
<p>Sheepshead also came into the Kilkenny weekend report — all caught on shrimp. The unidentified angler apparently couldn’t locate any fiddler crabs for bait and decided to use small pieces of cut shrimp. It worked, with a mix of 20 sheepshead and small black drum (puppy drum) being taken.</p>
<p>Bacot also noted the number of small trout being caught and released, with one angler commenting that of an estimated 100 hooked, only one in 10 were harvestable.</p>
<p>David Wood was on the water again this weekend, again targeting trout and reds.</p>
<p>He, too, noted the number of throw-backs, saying they outnumbered the keepers by 10 to 1.</p>
<p>While the trout bite was on the slow side, he noted the reds “were on fire.”</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Structure action </strong></p>
<p>Fishing a structure area, he said every cast yielded a nice fish and that both he and wife Sarah not only got their limit in a short time but continued catching and releasing many more.</p>
<p>They then found sizeable trout by going deep vertically in the structure. The bite still slow, Wood said the trout were tucked deep in the structure. “There was a small one or two here and there, but as a whole they were much nicer fish,” he added, closing they managed to “pull nine very solid trout out of it,” and came home with the limit of reds along with 11 trout, two of which went over 19 inches in length.</p>
<p>A sheepshead and trout report came from Savannah-area angler Stanley DeVegter, who last Friday with David Ranew fished inshore waters for both.</p>
<p>Toting both fiddler crabs and shrimp for bait, they first targeted sheepshead on an inshore reef, catching 20 on both baits.</p>
<p>“We had live shrimp, and decided to fish further inland and caught a lot of juvenile trout,” he related.</p>
<p>On Saturday and fishing with Capt. Mark Lewis (Inshore Georgia Charters) of Richmond Hill and Bill (Wild Bill) Jarrell, DeVegter told of some excellent trout action in the Ossabaw Island area, the trio bringing home 25 big trout.</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Tourney results </strong></p>
<p>Still on the inshore scene, the Coffee Bluff Inshore Fishing Club this past week held its final monthly tournament of the year, with Capt. Ray Golden capturing first place.</p>
<p>The event targeted sheepshead, spotted sea trout and red drum, with total aggregate weight the determining factor. Capt. Ray weighed in five sheepshead totaling 18 pounds, 3 ounces for the win.</p>
<p>Second-place honors went to Coffee Bluff resident Mike Smith, who had a total weight of 15 pounds of which a single sheepshead weighing 8 pounds, 14 ounces was included and also gave him the big fish honors.</p>
<p>Third place went to David Sloan, also a Coffee Bluff resident, with a total weight of 13 pounds, 2 ounces, including the largest trout weighing 2 pounds, 10 ounces.</p>
<p>The day he landed the big trout, he also had several more along with sheepshead, Capt. Ray earlier reported.</p>
<p>Largest redfish honors when to Jeffry Soss Jr., with one weighing 2 pounds, 14 ounces.</p>
<p>Capt. Ray also garnered enough points over the year-long tournament schedule to again capture Angler of the Year honors.</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Black sea bass </strong></p>
<p>As earlier noted, black sea bass this week are in the spotlight. Capt. Judy Helmey last week put a group of clients on some action at the offshore artificial reefs and also noted that the bull reds are there.</p>
<p>Check out her weekly web report on line at <a href="http://www.missjudycharters.com" title="www.missjudycharters.com">www.missjudycharters.com</a>. </p>
<p>Myles Swanson and Joan (Yogi) Gara the past Sunday found the black sea bass action to be almost non-stop.</p>
<p>For six hours they fished, he said in an email, noting that he and Gara “had so much fun catching black sea bass that we just stayed until we ran out of bait.”</p>
<p>The action reportedly took place at an inshore drop, the two landing upward of 100 fish ranging in size up to 17.5 inches, using a mix of squid, minnows and “fish bites (bloodworm) favor” for bait, releasing all but 14 keepers, four whiting “and one huge toad fish.”</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>The outlook </strong></p>
<p>Coming up as the year ends and the new one starts — still a lot of bait-size shrimp showing up in various dragging area along the coast. Most of the black gill problem has disappeared as water temps have dropped.</p>
<p>Tides will start springing again this weekend relative to the new moon phase, and will be in the low 8-foot range beginning Sunday and continuing through Dec. 25. They will then drop back to the 6- and 7-foot range for the remainder of the year.</p>
<p>Look for the trout and redfish bite to continue if temps remain mild, but sheepshead probably will begin to dominate the spotlight, both offshore and inshore as the winter season progresses.</p>
<p>Also start looking for the stripers in the river waters. January and February historically are the peak action months.</p>
</p>
<p>John Burke can be reached at 912-655-8505, or by email at john.burke@savannahnow.com.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-17/fishing-forecast-anglers-still-puzzled-over-years-changes#commentsSportsOutdoorsJohn BurkeEntertainmentBrunswickCoastal912-897-4921Allen DanielsBlack drumblack seaBrown troutCaptainCharlie BurkettContact DetailsCynoscion nebulosusDavid WoodEntertainmentFiddlerFishfishermanFishing baitFly fishingGeorgiaJudy ChartersJudy HelmeyKilkenny MarinaNew Year's DayPerson CareerPerson Email AddressPerson TravelQuotationRay GoldenRobert BacotSciaenidaeSeafoodSheepsheadSport fishSpud WoodwardStanley Devegterthe Savannah Morning NewsTroutWed, 17 Dec 2014 22:39:03 +0000John Burke1078987 at http://savannahnow.com